New impetus for Viet Nam-Lithuania traditional friendship

The visit takes place against the backdrop of complex developments in international relations, while Lithuania remains largely stable. President Gitanas Nauseda was re-elected for a second term in the 2024 election.

Lithuania’s economy is recovering and growing in the post-pandemic period. As a Baltic nation and one of the key international financial centres in Central and Eastern Europe, Lithuania continues to strengthen cooperation within the European Union (EU) while also enhancing ties with the US and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Viet Nam and Lithuania have enjoyed a longstanding traditional friendship dating back to the time when Lithuania was part of the former Soviet Union. Lithuania trained many Vietnamese officials and specialists, and received Vietnamese workers to the country.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, the two countries have engaged in multiple meetings on the sidelines of multilateral events. Lithuania was among the first EU member states to donate vaccines to Viet Nam, helping the country to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic cooperation between Viet Nam and Lithuania continues to yield positive results. In the first three months of 2025, bilateral trade reached 94.7 million USD, an increase of 94.4% compared to the same period in 2024. Total two-way trade in 2024 exceeded 200 million USD, up 7.5% from 2023. Lithuania has also ratified the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Notably, Viet Nam and Lithuania signed a repatriation agreement and a memorandum of understanding on migration management in 2019, establishing a hotline to combat crime. The two sides are currently considering negotiations on agreements concerning immigration cooperation, extradition, and the transfer of sentenced persons.

Established in 2012, the Vietnamese Association in Lithuania has been recognised and highly regarded by the local authorities. The association demonstrates a strong spirit of unity and patriotism, making a positive contribution to the bilateral relationship.

Viet Nam has affirmed its desire to more effectively implement bilateral and multilateral agreements and to expand cooperation in trade and investment; science and technology; agriculture; security and financial technology; as well as in legislative and policy development on digital transformation, digital infrastructure, digital economy, social media platform management, and cyber security.

The official visit by the Lithuanian president and his spouse underscores the high regard for Viet Nam’s socio-economic development achievements and foreign policy successes, as well as the country’s role, position, and prestige.

The success of the visit is expected to create new momentum to broaden and deepen the traditional friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Lithuania, while also strongly promoting Viet Nam’s relations with the Baltic region and the EU, thereby contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and the world.

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