Prime Minister: strength of small states lies in unity and rules-based cooperation
Allowing Russia to trample on the freedom of neighbouring countries would only embolden the imperial ambitions of other authoritarian regimes, posing a threat to global stability, noted Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė in her speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 forum in Singapore. The Prime Minister concluded her working visit to Singapore by participating in the largest security forum in the Indo-Pacific region.
In the forum’s plenary session, Ingrida Šimonytė emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine and the ‘axis of authoritarianism’, formed in alliance with Iran and North Korea, have far-reaching consequences, including in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of a rules-based order, which enhances security and strengthens the role of small states in the international community.
‘Instability harms economy, development, and every society. There should be no ‘grey’ or ‘buffer’ zones in Europe or anywhere else. Some might see Lithuania as such a buffer zone, but what matters is how small states position themselves. Lithuania, being in the neighbourhood of Russia and Belarus, has no choice but to unite with like-minded countries. For small states, commitment to a rules-based order and norms is not an option but a necessity, as it forms the foundation of global stability. The strength of small states lies in unity, both regionally and globally,’ said Ingrida Šimonytė.
The Prime Minister noted that Lithuania’s partnership with other Baltic countries and close involvement in Nordic-Baltic cooperation exemplify how collective action can amplify the voice and influence of like-minded nations.
‘Despite the geographical distance, we understand the significance of the Indo-Pacific region to global security and economic well-being. Over the past four years, we have opened embassies in Singapore, South Korea, and Australia, as well as a trade office in Taiwan. This reflects our strategic interest in developing deeper economic ties and promoting democratic values,’ said the Prime Minister.
Lithuania’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region is motivated by the desire to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific, one where the sovereignty of nations is respected and international waters are open for navigation, the Prime Minister added.
Ingrida Šimonytė also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the areas of security and defence, resilience against disinformation, and cybersecurity threats.
‘If we as an international community revert to an order dominated by imperialist ambitions, where larger states—whatever that definition entails—feel they can determine the fate of smaller ones, it is only a matter of time before we tragically realize once again that no state is large enough in such a world,’ said Ingrida Šimonytė.
In her speech, the Prime Minister also expressed support for the United States’ Statement of Principles for defence industry, noting that the Lithuanian Government would support closer cooperation between Lithuania’s defence industry and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Last updated: 01-06-2024
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