Both parties welcomed the good and friendly bilateral relations and the recent visits of China’s top officials in Lithuania, while particularly focusing on the bilateral commercial and economic cooperation. It was emphasised that China was a very important Lithuania’s partner, and that trade and investment between both countries was gaining momentum, along with the cooperation in financial technologies, lasers and life sciences. The trade turnover between the two countries grew by 4.2 per cent in 2018 - to EUR 1 044 billion. Considering the fact that Lithuania’s direct investment in China is 4.5 times bigger than China’s direct investment in Lithuania, China’s businesses were invited to benefit from Lithuania as a gateway to the European market for projects in financial technologies, logistics, communications and IT, electronics, engineering, industrial production and biotechnologies.
The Chancellor of the Government ensured Lithuania’s continued active participation in the format Central and Eastern European Countries & China (17 + 1). He also invited China’s Minister for Finance and the Head of the National Bank to participate in 17 + 1 China and Central and Eastern European Countries High-Level Financial Technology Forum to be held in Vilnius on 27 November.
The parties emphasised the importance of people-to-people contacts in the bilateral relations. The 21 per cent growth in tourism flows demonstrates an ever increasing interest of China’s tourists in Lithuania.
Among other items on the meeting agenda, was the issue of diplomatic representations. The active work of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Beijing was noted. Lithuania wishes to strengthen the Embassy’s capacities and hopes that China’s Government will also be prepared to help in this regard.
“We hope for your understanding and assistance in finding a suitable solution for the Embassy’s premises. We, in our turn, are ready to help you find a solution for the premises of China’s Embassy in Vilnius”, said the Chancellor.
The Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of China ensured that the issue of the premises of the Lithuanian Embassy would be reconsidered. To make an appropriate decision on the acquisition of the plot of land for the embassy, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Xianfa invited the Chancellor to visit the districts of Beijing.
