By Russian President
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. On Monday, Lithuanian
Foreign Minister K臋stutis Budrys met in Vilnius with Israeli
counterpart Gideon Saar, who was on a working visit to Lithuania,
The ministers discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation,
EU-Israel relations, developments in the Middle East, and continued
support for Ukraine.
A key focus of the meeting was enhancing economic ties. Minister
Budrys noted that there is strong potential for growth in
innovation, biotechnology, medicine, information technology, and
the defense industry. He recalled that in April, Lithuania hosted
its first Defense Innovation Forum, which was attended by several
Israeli companies.
The ministers also reviewed ongoing collaboration in culture,
education, and the preservation of historical memory. Minister
Budrys emphasized Lithuania鈥檚 commitment to Holocaust remembrance
and combating antisemitism, calling the Holocaust 鈥渁 tragedy for
all humanity that must never be repeated.鈥
On regional security, Minister Budrys reiterated Lithuania鈥檚
support for Israel鈥檚 right to defend itself and ensure the safety
of its citizens, following international law. He also expressed
support for ceasefire efforts between Israel and Iran.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Minister Budrys commended
Minister Saar鈥檚 efforts to improve humanitarian access in Gaza. 鈥淚t
is in Lithuania鈥檚 interest that this progress accelerates,鈥 he
Referring to the Israeli hostages taken during the October 7,
2023, Hamas attack, Budrys stated: 鈥淭he hostages still have not
been returned, and that must happen unconditionally. This is the
path to the ceasefire we all hope to see鈥攕o that stability can be
restored as soon as possible.鈥
Later that day, the ministers visited the Paneriai Memorial,
which commemorates the victims of mass executions during World War
Meanwhile, their previous bilateral meeting took place in March
2023 in Israel.