Minister V. Kondratovič met with the Ambassador of Turkey G. B. Tantekin
Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič met with the Ambassador of Turkey to Lithuania, Gorkem Baris Tantekin. During the meeting, the main issues of cooperation, priorities in the field of internal affairs, and challenges were discussed.
"I would like to thank Turkey for its significant support in helping address the challenges of illegal migration that Lithuania faced a few years ago. This assistance has greatly contributed to our efforts to control migration flows. Lithuania, of course, is also ready to contribute and provide help if needed. Our officers have already participated in rescue operations, and we are fully prepared to continue and strengthen our cooperation," 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 continued importance of strengthening the protection of the external border and ensuring effective migration management to address both national and European Union challenges. During the conversation, plans to establish a Ministry of Regions and increase the efficiency of public administration and state council activities were also presented, strengthening their competencies and attracting talented specialists.
The Minister noted that horizontal priority remains Lithuania's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Since the beginning of the war, the internal affairs system has provided support to relevant Ukrainian institutions worth over 7.5 million euros, and more than 90,000 war refugees have arrived in Lithuania.
Additionally, during the meeting, the current security situation, hybrid threats, and the situation in Syria were discussed.
In 2023, Turkey experienced one of the most severe earthquakes, during which the Lithuanian government allocated 90 tents, 50 electric heaters, 1,000 bedding sets, 1,000 pillows, 7,700 blankets, and medical supplies from the state reserve. The total value of the material assistance provided amounted to 528,000 euros. The Lithuanian international aid team, which went to help Turkey after the earthquake, consisted of 42 members, including 34 firefighters, 5 paramedics from the Kaunas Emergency Medical Service, and 3 dog handlers from the State Border Guard Service.
During the 2021 migration crisis, Turkey donated 90 km of concertina wire and 4,600 food rations to Lithuania. Turkey also shared its experience in managing migration flows and organized training for Lithuanian officials.