The possibilities of starting a new cooperation format of 3+1 between the Baltic States and Japan, which would promote development of the economy, science, cutting edge technologies, FinTech and other sectors were discussed at the meeting. The President had previously discussed this format with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his visit to Lithuania earlier this year.
According to the President, Japan is one of Lithuania’s key economic partners in Asia. The EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in July, lifting almost all import tariffs, will soon open even more opportunities for both Lithuanian and Japanese businesses.
Closer cooperation between NATO and Japan, regional and security issues were also discussed during the meeting. Back in 2016, Japanese military vessels visited the port of Klaipėda. As a NATO partner Japan took part in the allied military exercise in the Baltic Sea this year. Japan intends to cooperate with NATO in cyber security, too.
Cultural ties between the people of Lithuania and Japan as well as the rapidly growing interest of Japanese tourists in our country were also reviewed.
At the start of the year, the President appointed Gediminas Varvuolis as Lithuanian Ambassador to Japan.
The Japanese Ambassador also conveyed best wishes from Emperor Akihito to the President and the people of Lithuania. The Emperor wished Lithuania and Japan to further develop their bilateral relations based on goodwill.
Shiro Yamasaki is Japan’s eleventh ambassador to Lithuania and the fourth to reside in Vilnius. Before his appointment, he held different positions at the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Secretariat of the Prime Minister. The Ambassador is a lawyer by education.
