"The problem of relations with Russia is not in their reset. We can say that relations with Russia were not overloaded, they lack a positive agenda. I believe it is important to agree what our national interests towards Russia are and how we can build mutually beneficial relations by recognizing that we will not always agree but will always remain neighbors," Ušackas said in an interview to the Vilniaus Diena weekly.
In his words, one will be able to evaluate the incumbent government's foreign policy when it will contribute to strengthening Lithuania's energy independence, building the country's economic competitiveness, developing trade and political dialogue while resolving bilateral neighborhood issues.
Talking about Lithuania's relations with Poland, Ušackas noted that due to distrust on both sides of the border, bilateral relations have not been open and businesslike, which should not be the case between countries that consider each other strategic partners.
Lithuania's former foreign minister also believes that by legalizing the spelling of Polish names in their original form, "Lithuania would demonstrate its European will and understanding that a name and surname are a citizen's private property protected by the Constitution and would also make a very important step towards ensuring closer cooperation between the two countries and nations."
