25th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of Lithuania was celebrated in Brussels on March 16th. Belgium’s government and business officials, diplomats, representatives from NATO and EU institutions and friends of Lithuania were present at the event.

On this special occasion Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius congratulated the audience and noted that while enjoying our freedom, we could not forget people in Europe who are fighting for territorial integrity, sovereignty and for their rights to choose the European perspective.

On March 17th Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius met Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders. Ministers discussed economic and political relations between Belgium and Lithuania, EU and NATO agenda issues.

L. Linkevičius stressed that Lithuania is interested in fostering bilateral relations and underlined the successful cooperation in EU, NATO and Benelux-Baltic States format.

During the meeting ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine, EU sanctions on Russia and their effectiveness. The Minister drew attention to the importance for Russia to implement fully the Minsk agreements.

In the context of changed regional security situation L. Linkevičius marked that Lithuania highly appreciates Belgium’s input into the security of Baltic region. Belgium was the first NATO country which took part in Baltic air policing mission in 2004, after that performed the missions in 2006 and 2013. Belgium regularly participates in NATO military exercises in Baltic region.