"Lithuania is an important partner and friendly country, the relations between our Ministries and police forces are dynamic and proficiently managed on all levels." Minister Poklukar stated.

The agenda of the bilateral meeting was dedicated to the current issues in the field of home affairs. The Ministers discussed migration and border controls. The high rates of irregular migration continue to persist in the EU, and Slovenia remains no exception as a country located on the heavily burdened Western Balkan route. This was one of the reasons for our recently intensified cooperation with Italy and Croatia, together with whom we are addressing our Western Balkan partners, as this is a challenge that concerns all the countries along this route.

Migrant smuggling and forms of crime related to it has reached unprecedented proportions and remains one of the key issues. "These challenges have a clear international dimension and thus require a joint and coordinated response. We believe that the Pact on Migration and Asylum is a good foundation for efficient migration management and that its quick and diligent implementation will be essential," the Minister said, adding that this must be paralleled with the effective protection of the external borders and the prevention of irregular entries on the territory of the member states.

As part of the visit, the Minister visited a border crossing point between Lithuania and Belarus together with the Lithuanian counterparts. "I am glad that I had a chance to witness how Lithuania successfully protects the external border at the Medininkai border crossing point." The Minister also stressed the importance of protecting those, who are being exploited for political purposes through the instrumentalisation and that joint efforts are crucial in preventing this phenomena.

Ministers also discussed information security. Cybercrime incidents have become a part of everyday life. Slovenia too was recently the target of several cyberattacks, including on the Ministry of the Interior and the police. In order to detect cyber threats, it is essential to know the latest forms of cyber threats and to update and provide IT tools to detect and defend against them, the Ministers agreed. Professional training on this topic also needs to be provided regularly.

The Minister also visited the National Cyber Security Centre and exchanged the experience and practices with the Director of the Centre. He also met with the Police Commissioner General of the Lithuanian police, who presented the organisation and the work of the Lithuanian police.