I. Šimonytė expressed hope that Lithuania and the UK would continue to be strategic partners
Speaking at a working visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, speaking at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), emphasized that the ideals of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights had come under increasing pressure in recent years.
According to the Head of Government, today Lithuania openly defends liberal democracy and freedom. Hundreds of activists, human rights defenders, journalists and ordinary people telling their true neighbor continue to repress in Belarus. Thousands had to flee their homes, and many found refuge in Vilnius.
“Trusting citizens is one of the most important things that sets us apart from autocrats. It is therefore increasingly important for our citizens to be able to detect and recognize complex misinformation and other hybrid tactics, as the resilience of our societies and economies is crucial to the protection of democracy. Another source of strength in democracies is our unity. “The sense of unity and solidarity should go beyond the traditional boundaries of the transatlantic community,” she said.
I. Šimonytė emphasized the importance of the mechanism for selecting investments in the strategic sector – something that Lithuania has been applying quite successfully recently.
“The risk of Europe’s economic dependence – be it dependence on Russian oil and gas or on China’s supply, technology and investment – could be directed at us when it is most severe. So we should strive for a partnership that is in our strategic interests. The partnership is based on trust, common thinking and respect, “the Prime Minister noted.
As noted in the statement of the Government Press Service, the Prime Minister also expressed hope that Lithuania and the United Kingdom, as close friends and strategic partners, would continue to strengthen Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community – our common home.
The Prime Minister said in a speech at the German Symposium, which is held once a year at the LSE. The event attracts about 3,000 participants and about 40 speakers each year. The symposium brings together leaders from Germany and related social, economic, cultural, business and academic fields.