Nausėda: Foreign Minister's future hinges on China, Taiwan relations

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has indicated that the tenure of Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis hinges on his success in normalizing relations with China and fulfilling agreements made with Taiwan. Nausėda stated that tangible results in these areas within the coming months will determine Landsbergis's future in his post.

“

There are things that need to be done, and based on them, Mr. Budrys's performance will be assessed in the coming months – that is the normalization of relations with China, and the issue of implementing those ambitious goals that were agreed upon with the Taiwanese. We definitely need to see results on the table in these matters. If they are satisfactory, everything will be in order, and I hope Mr. Budrys can continue in his position. If not, we will look at the issue differently.

"There are things that need to be done, and based on them, Mr. Budrys's performance will be assessed in the coming months – that is the normalization of relations with China, and the issue of implementing those ambitious goals that were agreed upon with the Taiwanese," Nausėda told reporters in Brussels. He added, "We definitely need to see results on the table in these matters. If they are satisfactory, everything will be in order, and I hope Mr. Budrys can continue in his position. If not, we will look at the issue differently."

Nausėda described Landsbergis as a minister performing his duties well, asserting that decisions regarding all ministers must be guided by the state's interests. "To be honest, Mr. Budrys and I have never disagreed on any issue, as these are the fundamental principles of Lithuania's foreign policy," the president noted.

“

To be honest, Mr. Budrys and I have never disagreed on any issue, as these are the fundamental principles of Lithuania's foreign policy.

The president also announced his intention to meet with Mindaugas Sinkevičius, who is expected to lead the new government, next week. The discussion will focus on the coalition and the composition of the ministerial cabinet. "I believe there are all the prerequisites to move forward rapidly, to complete the formation of the government quickly, and to begin implementing the new government's program," Nausėda said. Speculation about replacing the foreign minister has been circulating, with some suggesting dissatisfaction among Social Democrats regarding Landsbergis's performance. Meanwhile, Remigijus Motuzas, chairman of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee and a Social Democrat, suggested that Landsbergis might not remain foreign minister when Lithuania assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of next year. Discussions in political circles also suggest that Presidential Advisor Deividas Matulionis could potentially succeed Landsbergis at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“

I believe there are all the prerequisites to move forward rapidly, to complete the formation of the government quickly, and to begin implementing the new government's program.