Minister V. Kondratovič met with South Korean Ambassador J. Jeon
Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Lithuania, Joyoung Jeon. During the meeting, current issues of cooperation, political priorities, and challenges in the field of internal affairs were discussed.
"I am pleased that the relations between Lithuania and the Republic of Korea are strengthening. The situations in our countries are similar – both Lithuania and the Republic of Korea are constantly forced to be prepared due to an aggressive neighborhood. In this difficult and unstable time in the world, it is especially important to strengthen cooperation between like-minded countries, so we can successfully overcome challenges together," said Minister of the Interior V. Kondratovič during the meeting.
The Minister of the Interior presented the main priorities of the new Lithuanian Government in the field of internal affairs, emphasizing the strengthening of civil safety and crisis management, as well as ensuring public security. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the protection of the external border and ensuring effective migration management to address challenges both in the country and throughout the European Union. The Minister also noted that Lithuania’s support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression remains a key horizontal priority. Since the beginning of the war, the internal affairs system has provided support to Ukrainian institutions, valued at more than 7.5 million euros, and Lithuania has hosted over 90,000 war refugees.
During the conversation, plans to establish a Ministry of Regions and increase the efficiency of public administration and the State Council’s activities were also presented, focusing on strengthening their competencies and attracting talented specialists.
Currently, Lithuania offers favorable conditions for Republic of Korea citizens to visit and live in the country. In addition, a bilateral agreement, in place since 2015, allows citizens to exchange their driver's licenses without additional exams. The meeting also discussed prospects for further strengthening cooperation between the countries in areas such as law enforcement collaboration and combating crime, civil safety, and information technologies.
Diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Republic of Korea were established in 1991. Joyoung Jeon is the first Ambassador of the Republic of Korea residing in Lithuania, having been appointed in October of last year.