Poland a strategic partner, says Lithuanian FM

Linkevičius added that Polish-Lithuanian ties were growing more intense.

The pair discussed bilateral ties and Lithuania’s Polish minority during their meeting.

Linkevičius said that the two countries had similar positions on security issues and that Poland was Lithuania’s third-largest trading partner.

The Lithuanian foreign minister said his country would oppose possible European Union sanctions against Poland amid a row between Warsaw and Brussels over the rule of law.

Last December, the European Commission took the unprecedented step of triggering Article 7 of the EU Treaty against Poland, stepping up pressure on Warsaw over controversial changes to the judicial system by the country’s ruling conservatives.

The move could pave the way for sanctions being imposed on Poland, for example suspending its voting rights in the European Union. But penalties on Warsaw would have to be backed unanimously by EU member states.

During his trip to Vilnius, Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz met Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis. (vb/pk)

Source: PAP