1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis on Wednesday, April 26, 2024, and exchanged views on ways to enhance bilateral relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and regional affairs.

2. Minister Cho congratulated the official opening of the Lithuanian Embassy in Seoul on that day, stating that the establishment of the Embassy would be a significant step forward in bilateral relations. He mentioned that the Korean government is also in the process of opening an embassy in Vilnius and asked for the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry's special attention and support in this regard.

3. Minister Landsbergis said that the Lithuanian government had made the decision to operate a resident mission in Seoul in consideration of the importance of relations with Korea and the Indo-Pacific region. On that note, he sincerely welcomed the planned establishment of the Korean Embassy in Vilnius and pledged to provide maximum support on necessary procedures.

4. Both Ministers noted the steady increase in bilateral trade and investment. They agreed to closely cooperate to identify specific cooperative projects particularly in advanced industries, such as those related to energy, bio and laser technology, which are promising areas of bilateral cooperation.

5. The two Ministers shared the view that North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile provocations and military cooperation with Russia are posing significant threats to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in Europe and the rest of the world. They agreed to continue close coordination to cease North Korea's military cooperation with Russia and promote its denuclearization.

6. In particular, Minister Cho expressed deep concerns about Russia's attempts to undermine sanctions on North Korea, as could be seen from the recent failure to adopt a UN resolution to extend the mandate of the North Korea Sanctions Committee Panel of Experts due to Russia's veto. He called for close cooperation to send strong messages to North Korea and urge compliance with UN Security Council resolutions.

7. In response, Minister Landsbergis said that Lithuania is ready to play its role to the extent possible in implementing sanctions, and promised unwavering support for the ROK's policy on North Korea.

8. Additionally, the two Ministers shared concerns about the war in Ukraine and engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on the need for the international community's continued solidarity with and support for Ukraine.