Poland supports Lithuania during the difficult situation on the border with Belarus

The meeting was a confirmation of the Polish-Lithuanian strategic partnership. It is also an expression of solidarity with Lithuania in the face of the crisis on the Belarusian border. In August, the prime ministers of Poland and Lithuania issued joint statements on the migration crisis at the border with Belarus. 
"The recent incidents related to confronting the influx of irregular migrants and the mutual solidarity and support shown in these circumstances have further strengthened bilateral relations," said the head of government Mateusz Morawiecki. He also added that Poland and Lithuania are determined to proceed with all necessary means in their efforts to effectively protect their borders, which are also the external borders of the European Union.
Poland was one of the first Member States to provide support to Lithuania under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the operational activities of Frontex and EASO. 

Rights of the Polish minority in Lithuania

The prime ministers also discussed issues concerning the Polish minority in Lithuania, including in particular the issues of Polish education, the spelling of surnames and the Law on National Minorities, which is being prepared by the Lithuanian government. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that the time when Poland and Lithuania are strengthening their bilateral relations is the right moment to implement changes that will improve the quality of education for Polish minority students in Lithuania and regulate the rights of the Polish minority. 

Via Carpatia, Via Baltica and the GIPL gas link - strengthening security and development of the region 

During the consultations, the heads of governments discussed the issues of economic, infrastructure and energy cooperation. "We note intensive Polish-Lithuanian cooperation in the field of infrastructure and energy. Ongoing projects such as Via Carpatia, Rail Baltica, GIPL gas link and Harmony Link contribute to strengthening the security of the region and guarantee its smooth development," said Prime Minister during the joint conference with the Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė. As he stressed, they are also an excellent impulse for modernisation, even in the era of economic stimulation after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussions also covered European issues. "The consultations are another step towards bringing our trade, economic, business and investment cooperation closer together. We badly need this Polish-Lithuanian unity, and such integration is what the whole EU needs," Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki continued. As he pointed out during the consultations, a number of integration measures were established in the areas of energy, science, climate and education.

Joint Declaration of the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

The Prime Ministers also adopted the Joint Declaration of the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on bilateral cooperation. It reflects the intensive Polish-Lithuanian dialogue conducted in recent years and expresses the readiness of both sides to deepen their cooperation at various levels.
"The joint session between our governments is a confirmation of the Polish-Lithuanian strategic partnership in its bilateral, regional, European and international dimensions. We agreed that we would strive to continue meetings in this format once a year," the Prime Minister concluded.