Special focus was placed on fighting illegal migration. The President stressed that joint efforts by both countries had resulted in a reduced number of illegal migrants from Vietnam to Lithuania. A constructive inter-institutional dialogue and a direct hot line were in place to help resolve the problem. According to the President, it is necessary to sign a bilateral readmission agreement as soon as possible to make cooperation in this field smoother.
The development of economic cooperation was also discussed. Access to the 100 million strong Vietnamese market is of particular interest to Lithuanian food exporters, especially dairy and cereal producers. Alternative energy, innovation, information technologies, and lasers are among the other promising sectors for export.
The President said that bilateral agreements on economic cooperation and the avoidance of double taxation, which were in the make, would most certainly promote economic and business relations between the two countries.
She pointed out that the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement to come into force next year would eliminate 99 percent of import duties, opening new opportunities for Lithuanian business people too.
According to the President, Lithuania consistently supports the EU-ASEAN dialogue aimed at promoting sustainable economic and social development, stability, women's engagement, equal access to education, career advancement, decision-making, and participation in political, social and cultural life in South-East Asian countries.
An ASEM conference on women's empowerment was held under the patronage of President Dalia Grybauskaitė in Vilnius this past spring. It gathered more than 100 representatives from Europe and Asia to discuss gender equality and share good practices. Vietnam was among the supporters and participants of the conference.
Today’s meeting also addressed issues of global security. Lithuania and Vietnam support UN sanctions against North Korea and speak out for the settlement of disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law and by ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation.
