Tag: LITHUANIA

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Gitanas Nauseda re-elected Lithuanian President

As president, Nauseda has a semi-executive role, which includes heading the armed forces, chairing the defence and national security policy bodies, and representing the country at NATO and European Union summits…reports Asian Lite News

Lithuania’s President, Gitanas Nauseda, has been re-elected in the final round of the Baltic nation’s presidential elections, as partial results showed him far ahead in the two-way race against his opponent, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, reported Al Jazeera.

Notably, this is the second time Nauseda and Simonyte have competed in presidential run-off elections.

Earlier in 2019, Nauseda beat Simonyte and bagged victory with 66 per cent of the vote.

Ballots from nearly 90 per cent of polling stations on Sunday showed Nauseda, 60, winning roughly three-quarters of the vote, followed by Simonyte, 49, from the ruling centre-right Homeland Union party.

Following his re-win, Simonyte conceded defeat while speaking to reporters and congratulated Nauseda.

As president, Nauseda has a semi-executive role, which includes heading the armed forces, chairing the defence and national security policy bodies, and representing the country at NATO and European Union summits.

The former senior economist with the Swedish banking group SEB, who is not affiliated with any party, won the first round of the election on May 12 with 44 per cent of the votes, short of the 50 per cent he needed for an outright victory, reported Al Jazeera.

Moreover, Simonyte was the only woman out of eight candidates in the first round and came in second with 20 per cent.

Both President Nauseda and PM Simonyte support increasing defence spending to at least 3 per cent of Lithuania’s gross domestic product, up from the 2.75 per cent planned for this year, in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Like other Baltic nations, Lithuania also fears it could be Moscow’s next target, as reported by Al Jazeera.

However, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has said he has no intention of attacking any NATO countries.

The uneasy relationship between Nauseda and Simonyte has also been highlighted in the foreign policy debates, most notably in Lithuania’s relations with China.

The bilateral ties between the two countries became tense in 2021, when Vilnius allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under the island’s name, a departure from the common diplomatic practice of using the name of the capital, Taipei, to avoid angering Beijing.

China, which considers self-ruled Taiwan a part of its territory, downgraded diplomatic relations with Vilnius and blocked its exports.

It further led some Lithuanian politicians to urge a restoration of relations for the sake of the economy, reported Al Jazeera. (ANI)

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Concern about Russia dominates as Lithuanians vote

The Baltic state of 2.8 million people fears it could be next in Russia’s crosshairs if Moscow wins its war against Ukraine….reports Asian Lite News

Lithuania voted on Sunday in a presidential election dominated by security concerns with the main candidates all agreed the NATO and EU member should boost defence spending to counter the perceived threat from neighbouring Russia.

The Baltic state of 2.8 million people fears it could be next in Russia’s crosshairs if Moscow wins its war against Ukraine.

While the top three contenders agree on defence, they have diverging views on social issues and on Lithuania’s relations with China, which have been strained for years over Taiwan.

“Lithuania’s understanding of the Russian threat is unanimous and unquestionable, so the main candidates are following suit,” Eastern Europe Studies Centre director Linas Kojala told AFP.

Polls close at 1700 GMT and the result is expected later on Sunday — but a run-off on May 26 will probably be needed with no candidate expected to win an overall majority.

Opinion polls give the incumbent, 59-year-old former banker Gitanas Nauseda, a comfortable lead over the other seven candidates, who include Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and prominent lawyer Ignas Vegele.

The Lithuanian president steers defence and foreign policy, attending EU and NATO summits, but must consult with the government and parliament on appointing the most senior officials.

Lithuania, a former Soviet republic, is a top donor to Ukraine and a big defence spender, with a military budget currently equal to 2.75 percent of GDP.

The Simonyte-led government is expected to come forward with proposals within weeks that could help lift defence spending to three percent of GDP. Lithuania intends to use the funds to purchase tanks and additional air defence systems, and to host a German brigade, as Berlin plans to complete the stationing of around 5,000 troops by 2027.

None of the top candidates appears to question these plans, but Vegele has pledged to ask for a defence audit to effectively manage finances if elected.

Nauseda is projected to receive more than 35 percent of first round votes and is expected to prevail in any eventual run-off. Vegele, a 48-year-old lawyer who gained prominence after speaking out against mandated vaccination during the pandemic, presents himself as an alternative to established politicians and vows more transparent governance.

The uneasy relationship between Nauseda and his rival Simonyte’s ruling conservatives has at times triggered foreign policy debates, most notably on Lithuania’s relations with China.

Bilateral ties turned tense in 2021, when Vilnius allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under the island’s name in a departure from the common diplomatic practice of using the name of the capital Taipei to avoid angering Beijing.

China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory and bristles at anything that might lend the island any sense of international legitimacy, downgraded diplomatic relations with Vilnius and blocked its exports, causing some Lithuanian politicians to urge a restoration of relations for economic reasons.

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India, Lithuania Discuss UNSC Reforms

The Indian side was led by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs…reports Asian Lite News

India and Lithuania held their 9th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on Tuesday related to regional and multilateral issues including UNSC reforms and the Ukraine conflict, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The Indian side was led by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs. The Lithuanian side was led by Egidijus Meilunas, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, MEA said in an official release.

“9th India-Lithuania FOC held in New Delhi today. Co-chaired by Secy (West) @SanjayVermalFS and Vice Minister @LithuaniaMFA @MeilunasE. Discussions covered bilateral, regional and multilateral issues including political, economic, consular, people-to-people contacts, UNSC reforms, Ukraine conflict and #G20India,” posted MEA official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on X.

India and Lithuania share a warm and friendly bilateral relationship, and have regular exchanges at both political and official levels. Trade between India and Lithuania has increased in recent years, despite the adverse effects of the pandemic, it also said.

The FOC provided an opportunity for reviewing bilateral engagements and for exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including developments in our respective neighbourhoods, EU, Ukraine conflict, India’s Presidency of G20, cooperation in multilateral fora, and UNSC reforms. Both sides also discussed furthering relations in sectors such as trade and investments, and cultural linkages, it added.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of FOC at mutually convenient dates in Vilnius. (ANI)

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Europe

Greek, Lithuanian envoys hail Indian culture

The Haveli is of three storeys with a basement on a small portion of the southern wing and a mezzanine floor above the shops on the lower ground floor…reports Ayushi Agarwal

As part of the wonderful ensemble in the historic core of the capital city, Golden Haveli in Gali Anar, Dharampura was on Thursday inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the presence of former Union Minister Vijay Goel.

Situated in close proximity to the historic Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the Haveli is located on Chandni Chowk at the intersection of Gali Anar and Chatta Pratap Singh. The envoys present there manifested their fondness towards rich Indian culture and traditions.

“I am very fond of Indian culture. This is the first time that I have come here in this Haveli, on this year. It’s very good for a foreigner because when we come to places like here in Old Delhi, it’s secret doors. The gated are closed doors and this is the door to one of the secret. It’s amazing to what Mr Goel has done. I have come here before and I will be bringing my guest here to enjoy that very traditional but very natural, authentic India in hospitality,” Diana Mickeviceine, Lithuanian Ambassador to India, told ANI.

“I think the inauguration is a very commendable effort to open secrets to foreigners like me. It gives an opportunity to people to experience real India and to it bring it closer to the world. The Minister has put it very beautifully, to bring more India to the world and more World to India,” she added.

Speaking to ANI, the Greek Ambassador to India, Dimitrios Ioannou, too, expressed his admiration for Indian culture and said that India’s G20 Presidency is an opportunity for India to demonstrate its progress and promote global society issues.

“You have a very rich culture and very rich heritage. I think everyone admires it. It’s very good that parts of your cultural heritage are shown to the foreign people so that they can more about India,” said Ioannou.

“This is a very good opportunity for India to demonstrate its progress because there has been lot of progress and development in recent years in India but it is also an opportunity to promote a lot of issues that global society desperately needs,” he added.

The Haveli is of three storeys with a basement on a small portion of the southern wing and a mezzanine floor above the shops on the lower ground floor. Former Union minister Vijay Goel, who takes a keen interest in heritage conservation, rehabilitated the haveli that had fallen into disrepair and had lost the splendour of its heydays.

Among other notable features of the restored haveli are arched entrances, sandstones and marble pillars. The surrounding of the haveli bears evidence of history through physical features. Brackets, balconies, and a multi-affiliated arched gateway further enrich its visual appeal. (ANI)

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Britain and Lithuania commit to closer collaboration

Lithuania is also a front-line state in the fight against Putin’s appalling barbarism in Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and her Lithuanian counterpart Gabrielius Landsbergis agreed to greater security and economic cooperation between their 2 countries – in the face of growing aggression from malign regimes.

Their signing of a Joint Declaration marks 100 years of bilateral relations between the two nations and helps further the UK’s global network of liberty.

The Declaration will build on the current defence cooperation the countries share as NATO allies and will increase resistance to threats, including from Russia and China.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted Lithuania in a landmark speech at Mansion House last month as a country which China had tried to bully economically. Today she praised Lithuania for standing up to this coercion.

Lithuania is also a front-line state in the fight against Putin’s appalling barbarism in Ukraine.

Speaking at the signing of the Joint Declaration, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said, “The UK and Lithuania are two countries which believe in freedom and sovereignty, and who stand up to authoritarian regimes in Europe and across the world. We stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal, barbaric war. I have immense admiration and respect for Lithuania and I am delighted that today we are deepening our defence and security relationship, and forging greater opportunities for trade and investment through this Joint Declaration.”

Both the UK and Lithuania have shown huge support for their Ukrainian ally in its brave fight for freedom.

The UK has inflicted tough and far-reaching sanctions on Russia. This, coupled with Lithuania’s decision to cut off all Russian oil and gas, are helping to cripple Putin’s war machine.

The Declaration signed today also seeks to build closer trade opportunities, counter organised crime, tackle climate change and promote people-to-people links between the UK and Lithuania.

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Poland, Lithuania, Latvia discuss possible NATO meeting

“We discuss with Latvia and, especially, with Lithuania, why do not we use the NATO Article 4,” Morawiecki told the Polish PAP press agency…reports Asian Lite News.

Poland is discussing the option of convening the North Atlantic Council with Lithuania and Latvia over the situation with migrants at the border with Belarus, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told media on Sunday.

“We discuss with Latvia and, especially, with Lithuania, why do not we use the NATO Article 4,” Morawiecki told the Polish PAP press agency.

Article 4 of the NATO treaty entails the possibility of convening the North Atlantic Council if there is a threat to the security of one of the member countries. (ANI/Sputnik)

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EXPO 2020 UAE News World

UAE FM receives PM of Lithuania at Expo 2020

UAE FM receives PM of Lithuania at Expo 2020

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation received at Expo 2020 Dubai, Ingrida Simonyte, Prime Minister of Lithuania…reports Asian Lite News

The meeting dealt with friendship and cooperation relations between the UAE and Lithuania across various sectors and ways to develop these relations.

UAE FM receives PM of Lithuania at Expo 2020

The two sides also reviewed a number of issues of common concern and the role of Expo 2020 Dubai in giving the participating countries an important platform for exchanging experiences and enhancing joint cooperation in various sectors.

ALSO READ: Lithuania celebrates National Day with opera, jazz at Expo

During the meeting, Abdullah bin Zayed praised the distinguished relations between the UAE and Lithuania and both sides’ interest in strengthening and developing cooperation in all fields.

UAE FM receives PM of Lithuania at Expo 2020

Sheikh Abdullah praised Lithuania’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, highlighting the importance of this global event in promoting international cooperation and supporting global efforts to achieve sustainable development in societies.

The meeting was attended by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General for the Expo 2020 Dubai Office.

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-Top News Dubai Europe

Lithuania celebrates National Day with opera, jazz at Expo

Lithuania hosted a three-hour gala concert on the Jubilee Stage, featuring opera classics and contemporary opera fused with electronic music, reports Asian Lite News

Lithuania celebrates its National Day at Expo 2020 on Friday with an impressive line-up of cultural and entertainment activities – including jazz, opera and a gala concert on Expo’s Jubilee Stage.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed Ingrida Šimonytė, Prime Minister of Lithuania to the flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza’s Stage of Nations and praised the country’s varied achievements.

The minister said: “The pavilion of Lithuania represents a country that is open for business, creativity, sustainable practices and more. The pavilion has an extroverted personality of its own and showcases Lithuania’s success as a modern nation, focusing on achievements in solar energy, information and financial technologies, life sciences, and laser technology.

“With Expo 2020, we hope to build on existing partnerships between Lithuania and the UAE. Our developing ties will only flourish further in the near future, as we seek enhanced cooperation in various other fields of mutual interest, such as financial technology, innovation, research, artificial intelligence, food security and clean energy.”

Prime Minister Šimonytė said: “I would like to thank the UAE government for its hospitality and for organising this international event, which gives us the opportunity to share ideas and solutions, especially after the interruption that the world has witnessed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are looking forward to strengthening our bilateral relations by exchanging expertise and exploring opportunities for cooperation, especially since we have a common interest in many issues, such as food security and hydrogen as a source of clean energy.

“In addition to addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, Expo 2020 Dubai presents an opportunity to learn about different cultures. In our pavilion, we are keen to convey the message of sustainability and the importance of tackling this issue in an open and flexible environment. Our pavilion is centered around natural resources and our rich culture. It also highlights the latest innovative technologies of Lithuania.”

Named ‘Openarium’, the Lithuania Pavilion is located in the Sustainability District. Under the theme ‘Sustainable Synergies’, the pavilion communicates with visitors through unique Lithuanian architecture that has been designed with elements that correlate with the heart essential parts of the country’s identity, such as warmth, nature, and comfort.

As a burgeoning tech economy making advances in everything from lasers to life sciences, Lithuania is ready to throw open its doors to the world. Inside the pavilion, the central highlight is the Unseen Lithuania exhibit, a high-definition digital tour of the country’s unspoiled natural beauty. Visitors will also be able to sample Lithuanian cuisine inside the restaurant, and to browse the authentic handcrafts in the souvenir shop.

To the backdrop of the Expo site’s illuminated night-time landscape, Lithuania hosted a three-hour gala concert on the Jubilee Stage later on Friday, featuring opera classics and contemporary opera fused with electronic music. Earlier, Lithuanian jazz musicians performed live at the Earth Stage in Expo’s Sustainability District, while Lithuania is also hosting Country Business Forum at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion’s Auditorium.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.

Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

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MEPs extend support for Lithuania amid tensions with China

More than 60 members of the European Parliament voiced their support for Lithuania through an open letter…reports Asian Lite News.

Members of the European Parliament extended support for Lithuania on Friday after its decision to enhance ties with Taiwan despite threats from China, reported Focus Taiwan.

More than 60 members of the European Parliament voiced their support for Lithuania through an open letter.

Members of the European Parliament including Petras Austrevicius from Lithuania, Reinhard Butikofer from Germany and members from 20 countries and five different political groups expressed their solidarity with the Baltic state of Lithuania and Taiwan by initiating an open letter, at a time of growing threats from China, reported Focus Taiwan

“The EU must continue to reiterate the right of all its Member States to conduct their economic, cultural and diplomatic relations with Taiwan as they see fit, and to do so free from threats and intimidation by the Chinese government. Taiwan has a vital role to play in the international community,” the letter read.

In July, Lithuania announced it would open a representative office in Taiwan right after Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said Taipei will open a representative office and name it “The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania,” in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.

Earlier in August, Lithuania’s vice foreign minister Mantas Adomenas said in an interview with CNA that his country will open the office by the end of this year and send a vice minister-level official from its foreign ministry or economics ministry to the opening ceremony.

In the open letter, these European lawmakers urged the European Union and its member states to take a strong stance against coercive diplomatic threats from China.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFgD4_aHrpY

The European lawmakers also called for the EU to take an effective anti-economic-coercion measure against China as soon as possible.

“With this letter, we want to assure our Lithuanian friends that we will not stop to work for broad EU solidarity vice versa the Chinese government’s punitive measures against them. Europe must stand united and defend our shared values,” Butikofer said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee passed a report titled ‘EU-Taiwan Relations and Cooperation’ and related amendments to enhance the ties between the EU and Taiwan. (ANI)

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US backs Lithuania amid China threat over Taiwan issue

In July, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu announced that Taiwan would open a representative office in Vilnius…reports Asian Lite News.

The government has backed Lithuania after China threatened the Baltic nation over Vilnius’s decision to establish the Taiwan representative office. “Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman spoke with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis today. Both leaders emphasised the strength and breadth of the US-Lithuanian bilateral relationship, which is grounded in our NATO Alliance; strengthening US-EU cooperation, including on China; and our common commitment to advance peace, prosperity, security, democracy, and human rights in the Transatlantic region and across the globe,” US State Department readout said.

The US is resolute in its solidarity with NATO ally and EU partner Lithuania, including standing with them in the face of “China’s recent coercive behaviour” in response to Lithuania’s decision to develop mutually beneficial ties with Taiwan, the statement said. This comes after China recalled its envoy over Vilnius’ plan to open a Taiwan representative office.

“Despite numerous notes and warnings from the Chinese side, the Lithuanian government recently announced that it would allow the Taiwanese administration to open a ‘representative office’ on behalf of ‘Taiwan’, which became a gross violation of the communique on establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry had said in a statement. While expressing regret at China’s decision to recall its envoy, Lithuania had said it is determined to pursue mutually beneficial ties with Taiwan.

In July, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu announced that Taiwan would open a representative office in Vilnius. Lithuania does not yet have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but it maintains increasingly friendly relations with Taipei. Vilnius has been an increasingly vocal critic of China’s actions towards Taiwan, as well as in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan located off the south-eastern coast of mainland China, despite the fact that the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.

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