KAUNAS, Lithuania, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Portugal and Lithuania are watching the same direction as regards the main issues of NATO and the European Union (EU), Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said on Tuesday after meeting with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite.
"We are partners in NATO and the EU, and Portugal has always supported Lithuania both on its way to the Alliance and the EU," the Portuguese president told reporters in Lithuania's second largest city Kaunas.
"In the context of NATO issues our visions coincide, we are looking the same direction," he added.
The president of Portugal came to visit Portuguese troops deployed in Lithuania's Western region Taurage.
In his words, Portugal has been engaging in military missions in Lithuania on a regular basis as it shares the same "economic, political and security goals".
"Lithuania must know it can rely on Portugal now and in the future despite large distance between our countries. We are very close and share the same views," he noted.
On her part, Grybauskaite said the visit is "very important for us as NATO's Southern and Eastern flanks are facing pretty similar challenges as regards security situation".
The presidents also discussed energy security and the outstanding issues on the EU agenda: Brexit negotiations, response to the migration crisis, and closer security and defense cooperation in the EU.
Promotion of bilateral relations was also discussed at the meeting. Economic cooperation between Lithuania and Portugal has a huge potential, notably, in the areas of food, chemical industry and high technologies, according to the Lithuanian presidency.
