Brian Jeffrey
The General Secretary, To Lam, referred to this visit as a pivotal moment that will enhance the partnership between Vietnam and Lithuania. He expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s enduring support and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening ties with its long-standing allies, including Lithuania.
To Lam acknowledged Lithuania’s advancements in information technology, financial technology (FinTech), artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity—crucial domains in the context of digital transformation worldwide. Both parties agreed on key strategies and initiatives to boost collaboration in various areas, including economy, trade, defense, science and technology, innovation, energy, agriculture, and labor.
They also concurred on significant regional and global issues, vowing to enhance coordination and mutual support at multilateral platforms, such as the United Nations, ASEM, and the ASEAN-EU framework.
The leaders emphasized the importance of broadening cooperation in education, cultural exchange, and personal interactions to further strengthen their bilateral friendship. To Lam encouraged the Lithuanian government to assist the Vietnamese community residing and working in Lithuania, while also expanding educational opportunities for Vietnamese students in Lithuania’s specialized fields.
During discussions with President Nauseda, President Luong Cuong highlighted that this marks the first state-level visit between the two nations since establishing diplomatic ties, ushering in a new chapter of collaboration.
President Nauseda underscored Vietnam’s role as a significant partner for Lithuania in Southeast Asia. Both leaders acknowledged that trade, investment, and economic partnerships are vital pillars of their relationship, with considerable potential for increasing mutual trade.
They committed to streamlining access to their markets, taking advantage of Vietnam’s entry into ASEAN and Lithuania’s EU membership. They also agreed to expedite the ratification of key agreements, including one aimed at preventing double taxation, to eliminate challenges in trade and investment.
Vietnam and Lithuania recognize potential alliances in agricultural production and processing, particularly with complementary, high-quality agricultural goods.
The two nations will exchange knowledge and boost collaboration in high-tech fields such as digital technology, FinTech, AI, green transformation, and renewable energy, as these sectors are crucial for their progress and offer favorable prospects for joint projects.
Cooperation in defense and security will be advanced in accordance with international law and local regulations, emphasizing crime prevention, safety, and cybersecurity.
President Cuong also called on Lithuania to support the swift approval of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by other EU countries and to back the European Commission in lifting the IUU “yellow card” on Vietnam’s seafood trade.
Both leaders promised to work closely and provide mutual support on global and regional concerns. Vietnam endorses Lithuania’s swift accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), while Lithuania advocates for deeper Vietnam-EU ties.
In his discussions with President Nauseda, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man commended the positive trend in bilateral trade, which exceeded USD 200 million in 2024 and reached USD 94.7 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Nevertheless, the chairman noted that these numbers remain relatively low considering the potential of both nations. He urged businesses to seize the opportunities presented by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to enhance trade and investment.
Chairman Man highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and political trust. He proposed forming parliamentary friendship groups as crucial links to strengthen legislative relations and build a solid foundation for broader cooperation.
President Nauseda agreed to promote collaboration in areas including economics, trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, education and training, culture, and grassroots exchanges. Lithuania is also prepared to share its expertise in domains such as FinTech, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.
Chairman Man expressed gratitude for the Lithuanian Parliament’s prompt ratification of the EVIPA and encouraged Lithuania to advocate for its approval by the remaining EU members to facilitate business collaboration.
Tran Thuong
