Scope, speed of support for Ukraine key to peace in Europe – Lithuanian president

VILNIUS – The scope and speed of support to Ukraine are key to achieving victory and peace in Europe, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said as he met with Sean O Fearghail, chairman of the lower house of Ireland's parliament, in Vilnius on Tuesday. 

The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation, the war in Ukraine and assistance to the country, and European security and EU issues, Nauseda's office said in a press release. 

The Lithuanian president underlined the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia and Belarus and called for avoiding exceptions that create new ways of circumventing restrictions.

Nauseda and O Fearghail also discussed EU enlargement issues.

The Lithuanian president said that EU enlargement is an opportunity to consolidate democracy and ensure peace and prosperity, adding that it is important to send a positive signal to Ukraine by launching its accession talks as early as this year.

Nauseda also said that it is important to put in place the right legal framework to tackle the challenges of irregular migration, noting that the fight against irregular migration has become a regular item on the European Council's agenda. 

The president said that he highly values friendly bilateral relations with Ireland and appreciates its support in organizing Lithuanian language classes in schools throughout the country.

Lithuania is ready to further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties with the country, according to him.