Sinkevičius Says Budrys’ China Task Should Not Prompt Hasty Decisions

Virginijus Sinkevičius says Lithuania should not rush decisions over Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys’ task of managing relations with China. He also rejects the idea that the assignment should lead to the minister’s replacement.

Sinkevičius described the situation with China as complicated, but said it was not the fault of the current minister or the government. He said the ministry was working discreetly and seeking mutual respect in its relations.

In his view, Budrys’ future should not depend on whether Lithuania manages to resolve its relationship with China before the country’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. Replacing the minister now, he argued, would be inappropriate because a new minister would need time to take over the work, while the problems would not disappear quickly.