Prime Minister: Lithuania will further strengthen relations with Germany

Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis has met with incoming ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Matthias Peter Sonn and has discussed cooperation in the fields of security, economy and historic remembrance.

'We are grateful to Germany for its leadership in strengthening the security of Lithuania and NATO's eastern flank. Germany's leadership of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania can be regarded as highly successful today. This is a historic decision that we will continue to strongly support. German troops send a clear signal of support for Lithuania; they are highly visible and have strong backing from our society', said the Head of Government.

It has been emphasized that Germany is one of the most important economic partners of Lithuania. There is great potential to develop trade in high value-added products. Lithuania will ensure favourable conditions for German investment, especially in the areas of manufacturing, life sciences, scientific research and IT.

During the meeting, attention has been drawn to the intensifying attempts to falsify history with the 75th anniversary of World War II approaching. The criminal Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact must not be justified; it has determined the beginning of World War II and the occupation of the Baltic States and Poland.

The Prime Minister has assured the Ambassador that Lithuania will be a reliable partner for the Germany's EU Council Presidency in the second half of this year. Lithuania supports development of the digital economy, response to emerging threats and reforms in the Eastern Partnership countries. The Astravyets NPP and the prevention of the import of dirty electricity from third countries require special attention from the EU.

Lithuania is in favor of the future EU budget that is based on solidarity and convergence and ensures sufficient cohesion support, fair competition in agriculture and compliance with the accession treaty commitments.