The President and the French Ambassador discussed the progress achieved in implementing the Lithuania-France Strategic Partnership, as well as the positive dynamics of bilateral relations that expanded substantially following the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Vilnius in 2020. Gitanas Nausėda thanked the Ambassador for the support extended by France to Lithuania in the field of security and for its contribution to strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. He pointed out that hybrid attacks by the Belarusian regime highlighted the need for changes in the European Union’s legislation on migration, asylum and border protection. Speaking about economic cooperation, the President underlined Lithuania’s readiness to deepen contacts in cybersecurity, lasers and biotechnology. He further said that Lithuania was set on launching a cultural season in France. The President and the Ambassador also discussed France’s preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2022.
During his meeting with the Bulgarian Ambassador to Lithuania, who resided in Sofia, the President extended congratulations on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Bulgaria. The meeting focused on the EU-Western Balkans Summit to be held in October, the European Union’s policy on migration, asylum and border protection. Gitanas Nausėda voiced support for Bulgaria’s membership in the Schengen area and its ambition to join the eurozone.
At the meeting with the Rwandan Ambassador, residing in The Hague, the President focused on bilateral and multilateral cooperation in international organizations. Gitanas Nausėda invited Rwanda to expand bilateral relations, particularly in agriculture, academic and cultural exchanges, and tourism. Views were exchanged on collaborative work in international organizations, with special focus on the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Executive Board of UNESCO.
