‘Lithuania and Japan build their strategic partnership on shared values and interests, such as security, peace, and the commitment to uphold a rules-based world order. The alternative is a world dominated by authoritarian regimes and force. Russia’s war against Ukraine is a daily reminder of the importance of resisting such alternatives and reinforcing comprehensive ties among like-minded democracies, as well as providing support to Ukraine,’ said the Chancellor.
Lithuania was among the first to engage in Ukraine’s reconstruction, with the government approving initial bilateral projects back in August 2022. Today, the successful ongoing initiatives include the restoration of education establishments and energy infrastructure, rehabilitation and reintegration of wounded soldiers and war-affected individuals, and demining efforts.
Chancellor Balčytytė pointed out that Ukraine’s reconstruction presents significant opportunities for enhanced collaboration. As a staunch supporter of Ukraine, Lithuania deeply values Japan’s financial assistance, a point emphasized during the meeting.
Chancellor Balčytytė emphasized the necessity of continuing and intensifying sanctions against Russia to hinder its ability to pursue aggression, while democracies must bolster their resilience against threats posed by authoritarian regimes.
The meeting highlighted the need for the democratic world to counterbalance the influence of these regimes in the Global South. Chancellor Balčytytė noted the importance of recognizing efforts to discredit democratic institutions and Russia’s use of culture as a soft power tool to serve its interests.
Lithuania, with its extensive experience in combating disinformation, is developing joint resilience-building initiatives with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other member countries. This is another vital area for sharing experiences, the Chancellor said, adding that the strength of democracies lies not only in achieving results for their citizens but also in doing so while respecting their rights, freedoms, and societal diversity.
The discussions also explored potential areas for economic cooperation between Lithuania and Japan, including opportunities for collaboration in biotechnology, life sciences, and the energy sectors.
