The President: Lithuania’s and Finland’s partnership serves as a security guarantee and promotes economic development

During his working visit to Finland, President Gitanas Nausėda met with President Alexander Stubb. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Lithuania and Finland, transatlantic cooperation, the security situation in the region, and issues on the European Union agenda. The presidents also addressed support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

"I am pleased to note that Finland is a close neighbor of Lithuania, a reliable EU partner and a member of the Nordic-Baltic family. We also cooperate closely as NATO allies. Finland's membership in the Alliance has significantly strengthened security in the Baltic Sea region," emphasized the President.

The President also called for further strengthening cooperation bilaterally and in the NB8 format in security and defense, energy security, critical infrastructure protection, resilience, and combating irregular migration.

According to Mr. Nausėda, Finland is an important economic partner for Lithuania. Therefore, the bilateral business forum opening today, dedicated to the defense industry and cooperation in the field of high technology, will contribute to strengthening cooperation in defense and science.

The President emphasized that both countries are united by a common goal - the security of NATO's eastern flank and the creation of conditions for long-term peace throughout the region.

"Finland is an excellent example of a resilient state that has learned important historical lessons. Your country has been investing in defense and security for years, based on both the principle of total defense and technological innovation. Lithuania seeks to benefit from Finland's experience by strengthening the resilience of society and supporting cooperation in the areas of military production and procurement. Starting next year, we will allocate more than 5% of GDP to defense. Therefore, Finland, as one of our closest allies, plays an important role in Lithuania's procurement of military equipment, such as patrol ships, naval mines and armored vehicles," said the President.

Lithuania also invited Finland to join the rotational air defense model in the Baltic countries and to participate in the NATO air policing mission in Šiauliai.

Mr. Nausėda expressed his gratitude to Finnish President Alexander Stubb for his contribution to the US-led negotiations on stopping Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

"Lithuania maintains that peace requires strong and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Pressure on Russia must continue. That is why Lithuania has proposed a 19th sanctions package, which would cover Rosatom, Russian oil and gas revenues, as well as the so-called shadow fleet. We also seek to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU as soon as possible, with the aim of full accession by 2030. Finland's support on these issues is important and welcome," the President emphasized.

Lithuania welcomes and fully supports Finland's initiative to lead the Shelter Coalition aimed at supporting Ukraine and is ready to join. At the same time, the President invited Finland to contribute to a program initiated by Lithuania to build new schools throughout Ukraine.

The leaders also discussed EU-related issues, paying particular attention to the European Commission's proposal for the next multiannual financial framework. The President emphasized that Lithuania welcomes the proposed significant increase in funding for military mobility and the provisions on the protection of the EU's eastern border. He said that defense investments must become one of the EU's top priorities and that EU funding must meet Europe's real security needs.

The President also noted that he is looking forward to the visit of the President of Finland to Lithuania next year. Gitanas Nausėda invited Finnish companies to the Life Sciences Baltic forum, which will bring together global experts in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices in Vilnius on September 17-18.

Later today, the Lithuanian leader will also participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to Marshal Mannerheim and meet with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.