VILNIUS, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania will support Poland in its dispute with the European Commission (EC) on controversial judiciary reform, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said on Saturday following talks with her Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.
"Lithuania and the Lithuanian stance will be very strictly clear, that we won't support any coercion and any methods of power against any country, including Poland as well," Grybauskaite told journalists at a joint press conference with Duda in Vilnius after their talks.
The Lithuanian president ensured the country would not support any vote against Poland. "We would invite both sides to look for dialogue and solution."
In response, Duda described the Lithuanian stance as "balanced".
"Thank you for the position expressed by Ms. President. It is balanced and it shows that our situation is being understood," Duda said.
In December, Duda signed into law two bills overhauling the country's Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council in spite of possible sanctions from the EU.
The EC has then started unprecedented disciplinary proceedings against Poland over its judiciary reform which, according to the EC, allows the government to control the country's judiciary and threatens the rule of law.
The proceedings could lead to sanctions, including suspension of the country's voting rights at the European Council, if four-fifths of the heads of the EU countries decide in a vote "that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law".
The EC would rescind the proceedings, if Poland implements the EC's proposed recommendations within three months.
"I believe these problems, which in my opinion stem from lack of understanding and wrong interpretations, will be solved," said Duda.
Grybauskaite and Duda also discussed strengthening of bilateral relations, economic, energy and security cooperation. Neighboring countries have also agreed to prepare a joint position on NATO reforms.
Duda, among other European leaders, paid visit to Lithuania to attend festive events of the centennial of the restoration of the state of Lithuania. It was the first visit of Poland's president to Lithuania in five years.
