BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 23. Today, Lithuanian
Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys is participating in the
European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels, where
EU foreign ministers are discussing key international issues,
including the situation in the Middle East, support for Ukraine,
developments in Georgia, and sanctions policy, Trend reports.
Ahead of the meeting, Minister Budrys addressed the press,
emphasizing the importance of international diplomacy in response
to global security concerns.
“Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities is understandably a
serious concern for Israel and poses significant risks to the
international community. We must act to prevent this outcome, and
the window to do so is closing,” Budrys stated. “We call for strong
diplomatic efforts and continued pressure on Iran to pursue a
peaceful course.”
On the situation in Ukraine, the minister underscored the
importance of following through on European commitments.
“It has been 140 days since Ukraine agreed to unconditional
ceasefire terms and 44 days since calls were made for clear
consequences in the absence of progress. Europe must now move
forward with the 18th sanctions package, including measures
targeting energy, shadow fleets, and pipeline infrastructure,”
Budrys said. “If we fail to act decisively now, future warnings
will lose credibility.”
Speaking on the eve of the NATO Summit in The Hague, Budrys also
touched on defense funding.
“We expect a historic decision—allocating 5 percent of GDP to
defense. But we must aim higher. The current timelines are not
ambitious enough. Lithuania is on track to exceed the 5 percent
threshold as early as next year,” he noted.
He also reiterated Lithuania’s broader strategic perspective
ahead of the summit.
“It is essential that NATO reaffirms its long-term assessment of
key security risks in the region,” Budrys said.
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