Minister Byrne meets with Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ireland - Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, today (10 July) hosted a meeting at Government Buildings with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Sigitas Mitkus. Vice-Minister Mitkus is taking part in the official visit to Ireland this week by H.E. Mr Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania.

This is Vice-Minister Mitkus’ second visit to Dublin in 2025, having visited in May. The

Ministers’ discussion today focused on bilateral relations, Ukraine, competitiveness and security.

In July 2026, Ireland will take on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and in January 2027, the Presidency will be handed over to Lithuania.

Following the meeting, Minister Byrne said: “In April, Vice-Minister Mitkus and I travelled together to Ukraine, where we jointly opened an underground school shelter in Odesa, which was co-funded by Ireland, Lithuania and the European Commission. Ireland is working alongside Lithuania, together with fellow EU Member States, to support Ukraine as it continues to deal with Russia’s ongoing illegal and unjustified invasion. Today’s meeting with Vice-Minister Mitkus provided a welcome opportunity to discuss how we can best support Ukraine.”

The Minister continued: “The regular and meaningful engagement I have with Vice-Minister Mitkus reflects the close relationship between Ireland and Lithuania. The Nordic Baltic Strategy to 2025 has seen ever-increasing collaboration and cooperation between our two countries.”