Linkevicius calls spy swap 'example of close cooperation' with Norway

Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius says Friday's spy swap that saw Russia release two Lithuanians and a Norwegian is an example of close cooperation between the two NATO allies.

According to the minister, the operation showed that "not only our interests but also those of our allies are important to us".

"Of course, we are first of all happy for our citizens. But we are also glad because this is a nice example of our close cooperation with Norway," he told BNS on Friday.

Earlier on Friday, Moscow handed over two Lithuanians and one Norwegian, jailed in Russia for spying, to Vilnius in exchange for two Russians convicted of espionage in Lithuania.