Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys on Thursday thanked Spain for its support for NATO's eastern flank and its solidarity over Belarus' hybrid attacks, during a meeting with Spain’s new ambassador to Lithuania, José Fernando Fernández-Aguayo Muñoz.
Budrys highlighted the strong partnership between the two countries and their cooperation within international frameworks, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“We appreciate Spain’s active participation in the Baltic Air Policing mission, its swift contribution to protecting Lithuania’s airspace, and its steadfast commitment to NATO’s rotational air defence efforts that strengthen security across the entire region,” the minister said.
Lithuania’s airports were forced to close four times last week after smugglers used balloons to transport contraband cigarettes from Belarus – an incident Lithuanian officials have described as part of a hybrid attack orchestrated by Minsk.
During their talks, Budrys and the ambassador discussed bilateral cooperation in the defence industry, cybersecurity, countering disinformation, and infrastructure projects such as Rail Baltica, as well as the growing popularity of the Spanish language in Lithuania’s education system.
The two also discussed continued support for Ukraine.
“We thank Spain for taking part in the NATO and US-led mechanism to accelerate arms deliveries to Ukraine, as well as for its humanitarian aid and support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure under constant Russian attack,” Budrys said.
He added that Lithuania remained committed to Ukraine’s EU membership by 2030, calling it “the strongest non-military security guarantee for both Ukraine and the European Union.”
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