“Cooperation between Lithuania and Italy at bilateral and international level is steadily growing. We value actively developing political, economic and cultural ties between our countries. We are close allies in the European Union and NATO. We have similar positions on today’s geopolitical challenges that the European Union currently faces. Italy’s efforts and example in upholding European ideals, as well as its consistent contribution to the defense of our region, are of paramount importance”, said the President.
According to the President, Italy’s involvement in strengthening the security of the Baltic States was proof of our shared approach to threats. Deployment of Italian troops in NATO’s eFP and the planned air policing mission in Lithuania, in 2020, are concrete actions showing Italy’s commitment to the allies and regional stability.
At the meeting, the President highlighted that Lithuania understood the threats that Italy had to face. Lithuania contributes to operations of NATO’s South Strategic Center in Naples by strengthening the Alliance’s overall response to terrorism and helping to ensure stability in Southern neighboring states.
During the meeting, the President emphasized that Lithuania and Italy were united by close cooperation in business, science, academic exchange and culture. Italy is an important trading partner of Lithuania – last year (2018) Italy was 8th in terms of trade volume. Lithuanian exports to Italy are constantly growing, Lithuanian food products are valued and find their buyers in Italy. The President invited the President of Italy to participate in the Italian-Lithuanian Business Forums together and to actively support them by promoting contacts among business communities.
The important political and economic cooperation is complemented by the cultural and social dialogue between Lithuania and Italy. At this year’s Venice Biennale, Lithuanian artists presented a contemporary opera, The Sun and The Sea, which was awarded the Golden Lion.
