It is symbolic that Japan’s delegation is the first to visit Lithuania from outside Europe after the pandemic. According to the Prime Minister, Lithuania and Japan are like-minded countries that share the respect for democracy and international norms, and the principles of the rule of law, free market, human rights and freedoms, and take efforts to preserve peace and security in the region and the world.
The parties have brought up the need for closer cooperation, particularly in the context of the growing geopolitical and security tensions in the neighbourhood of both Lithuania and Japan.
‘Lithuania highly regards Japan as a strategic partner in Asia, and we need a closer bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, energy, research and elsewhere’, said Ingrida Šimonytė.
The Head of Government has invited Japanese businesses to take part in projects and invest in Lithuania, and also benefit from the Green Deal both in Lithuania and in the EU.
The parties have also discussed synchronisation, energy and Rail Baltica. The Japanese power group Tepco is carrying out a technical feasibility study required for the synchronisation of the Baltic power grid.
Other items discussed have included the illegal migration weaponised by the Belarussian regime, propaganda-posed challenges, and initiatives to commemorate Sugihara.
The Prime Minister of Lithuania and the Minister of Japan have agreed that the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to be celebrated next year will greatly benefit the co-operation between Lithuania and Japan. This year, Lithuania and Japan are marking the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of the diplomatic relations.
