VILNIUS – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Lithuanian counterpart Ingrida Simonyte emphasized the importance of cooperation in the area of security and discussed possibilities to improve cooperation in the areas of science and energy during their meeting in Vilnius on Thursday.
“Spain is a perfect friend and partner for Lithuania. The first thing that comes to mind is our cooperation in the area of security and defense and I cannot fail to mention the air policing mission in Siauliai as well as the deployment of Spanish troops in Latvia in this regard. We highly appreciate this support and are happy to feel the backing of the countries, which may look distant in geographical terms but understand the geopolitical challenges faced by this region perfectly well,” Simonyte said during a joint news conference in Vilnius.
She thanked Spain for support in relocating Lithuanians from Venezuela and emphasized economic relations between the countries.
Sanchez also stressed the countries’ joint work in the areas of cybersecurity and defense and said that his country was “very seriously committed” to ensure its contribution to the protection of the Eastern border.
“Spain’s presence in Lithuania means clear and long-term cooperation. We truly want to contribute to the protection of Lithuania’s territory with our forces, in particular our air police in the Baltic countries,” he said.
Sanchez also noted that Spain was well aware of the difficulties faced by Lithuania due to the migration crisis.
In addition, the Spanish prime minister pointed to the importance of cooperation in the area of energy for both Lithuania and Spain as well as the importance of the Eastern Partnership program.
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