On 17 April in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, the Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Neris Germanas met with Viola Onwuliri, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria. The meetings focussed on opportunities for cooperation when working in multilateral forums.

Ambassador R.Murmokaitė, Lithuanian Permanent Representative to th UN, at the UN Security Council debate on the conflict-related sexual violence observed that the progress achieved in addressing the issue of sexual violence in conflict since ICTY and ICTR placed sexual aggression on the agenda of post-conflict justice has been undeniable. Relevant UNSC resolutions have created an extensive tool-kit for tackling conflict-related sexual violence.

On 2 April 2013, the UN General Assembly approved the text of the Arms Trade Treaty. A total of 154 States voted in favour of the resolution, three voted against, and 23 abstained. The treaty will now be opened for signature on 3 June 2013. The conclusion of negotiations represent a major achievement of the process that lasted for over 10 years. The treaty is a strong and balanced text that clearly enjoys very widespread support, and will significantly reduce the humanitarian impact from the irresponsible transfer of weapons once it enters into force.

During the final phase of negotiations on 18-28 March 2013 Lithuania, together with Costa Rica and Japan, worked on a proposal that would ensure that key information provided by States under the ATT would be available to public.

On 27 March Lithuanian Foreign Minister H.E. Linas Linkevičius and Rwandese Minister of State in Charge of Cooperation, Permanent Representative to the United Nations H.E. Eugene-Richard Gasana signed on behalf of their respective governments a Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Rwanda.