Lithuanian, Pakistani formins sign memorandum on bilateral consultations

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and his visiting Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday signed a memorandum on the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said.

The document enshrines the commitment of the Lithuanian and Pakistani Foreign Ministries to hold regular consultations to discuss bilateral and international issues, the ministry said.

The ministers also discussed the international community's response to Russia's war in Ukraine, regional security issues in Europe and South Asia, including the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the threat of terrorism, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Pakistan.

"Russia's war against Ukraine has caused a global food and energy crisis that is also affecting many developing countries in Asia. Therefore, a joint international effort to stop Russia's aggression is crucial," Landsbergis was quoted as saying in the statement.

Lithuania's top diplomat also stressed that Lithuania was concerned about regional security issues important for Pakistan, such as the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

"Ensuring stability in the South Asian region, the fight against terrorism, women's rights and the prevention of illegal migration are also of strategic interest for the EU," the minister said.

Landsbergis also expressed his condolences over for the loss of lives and damage caused by the 2022 floods and expressed solidarity with Pakistan. Lithuania provided humanitarian aid to Pakistan where more than 1,700 people died in last year's floods.

This is Pakistan's foreign minister's first visit to Lithuania.

Pakistan recognized Lithuania's independence on September 8, 1991 and the two countries established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1994. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Pakistan.