Lithuania's president voices support to Georgia's leader amid deepening political crisis

VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Monday voiced support to his Georgian counterpart, Salome Zourabichvili, amid the deepening political crisis in the country in the wake of last year's parliamentary election. 

In their video call, Nauseda expressed support to Zourabichvili "in her efforts to speak with all political forces, ensuring political dialogue", the Lithuanian president's office said in a press release.

"Consensus and trust in society are the foundation of progress and democracy in every country," he said. "Lithuanian society and political parties have reached agreement on national strategic goals, building a basis for our success.'

The two presidents discussed preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit, the containment of COVID-19, and the political situation in Georgia

Nauseda "voiced his support to Georgia's active stand in Eastern Partnership policies and appreciation for the efforts of the three associated countries – Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia – to create an increasingly closer partnership". 

According to the Lithuanian president, "we should use the opportunity to set long-term ambitious goals for the Eastern Partnership political agenda".

Nauseda said that "Lithuania consistently supported the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, raising this issue in international meetings and forums".

He "underlined his determination to ensure access to EU vaccines for Eastern Partnership countries at the highest EU level by proposing to create a mechanism of support similar to that activated for the Western Balkans".

The Lithuanian president expressed his regret about having to cancel his planned visit to Georgia in 2020 because of the pandemic, but said that he expected to make the trip in May, according to the press release.