"The management of migration processes is becoming increasingly complex. We have experienced this ourselves when we managed the irregular migration crisis and organized assistance and accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. Clearly, the enormous challenges posed by migration are not localized and cannot be tackled by countries alone. That is why cooperation platforms, such as the Prague Process, are simply vital," Bilotaite was quoted as saying in her ministry's statement.
During the conference, the action plan for 2023-2027 for the prevention and fight against illegal migration was signed.
The conference also adopted a joint declaration stating that Prague Process countries strongly condemn the Russian-led war in Ukraine, highlighting the involvement of Belarus.
The Prague Process is one of the four processes of regional EU cooperation on migration and promoting partnership on migration issues. It involves EU member states, the associated Schengen countries, Southeastern and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Lithuania chaired the process in 2019-2020.
Prague Process countries earlier distanced themselves from cooperation with Russia and Belarus. Formally, these two countries remain members of the process but are not invited to any events or involved in any activities.