Lithuanian leaders congratulate Metsola on her election EP president

VILNIUS – Lithuanian leaders have congratulated Malta's Roberta Metsola after the center-right politician from the EU's smallest member state was elected new president of the European Parliament.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda wished the new EP president fortitude, resolution and every success.

"Wishing you great success in this new role and looking forward to cooperation on defending European values and making the European Union stronger, more resilient and competitive," Nauseda said in his congratulation message.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen wished her European counterpart "success, meaningful and constructive work". She also stressed the need now more than ever to keep a united and strong European Union.

Elected on her 43rd birthday, Metsola became the youngest EP president and only the third women elected into this position. She replaced Italian David Sassoli who passed away last week.