Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania in Geneva took part in the Human Rights Council, celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of Lithuania, met with politicians, heads of international organizations and Lithuanian community
On 24-25 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius visited Geneva.
He took the floor at the High Level segment of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council, where he highlighted the challenges and threats facing journalists and human rights defenders, the human rights violations by Russia in the occupied territories of Ukraine and Georgia. In addition, L. Linkevičius stressed the need to promote respect for international law and the rule of law as the necessary elements conducive to ensuring respect for human rights. He has also presented Lithuania’s candidacy to UN Human Rights Council for the period of 2022-2024.
In the evening, the Minister addressed the guests of the 30th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence celebration at the World Intellectual Property Organization. Talented young Lithuanian piano players, whose education is supported by the “SOS Talents” foundation, led by Lithuania’s Honorary Consul in Western Switzerland Dr. Michel Sogny, enchanted the public with their brilliant performance. Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Vadym Prystaiko and the Chairwoman of the Swiss Lithuanian community were among the guests of the event.
On February 24, the Minister took part in the side-event of the Human Rights Council, jointly organized by Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland on human rights situation in Crimea and Sevastopol, illegally annexed by the Russian Federation, with a special focus on political prisoners and arbitrary detentions.
L. Linkevičius also took the floor during the event of the France and Germany‘s led Alliance for Multilateralism, where he noted the importance of the International Humanitarian Law.
During his meeting with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization Roberto Azevêdo. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister stressed the need to update the world trade rules and to adapt them to the modern world.
On February 24, L. Linkevičius also met with the President of the World Economic Forum Mr. Børge Brende, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization Mr. Francis Gurry and the President of the ICRC Mr. Peter Maurer.
On 25 February, the Minister met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova Aureliu Ciocoi. The meeting focused on the implementation of the Association Agreement between Moldova and the European Union, Moldova's progress in implementing reforms, cooperation within the United Nations system, and the latest developments in bilateral relations.
During his visit, L. Linkevičius also discussed the cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and the Swiss Lithuanian community with its chairperson Ms. Jūratė Caspersen.
