“With Spain, we are like-minded on items of the European and NATO agendas. And increasing bilateral trade testifies to the growing willingness of business communities to strengthen economic ties between Lithuania and Spain,” Lithuania’s Foreign Minister said.
At an event with Spanish business representatives, Landsbergis presented opportunities for economic cooperation with Lithuania and investment. “After overcoming the crises of 1998 and 2008, Lithuania has consistently strengthened its economic resilience and reduced its energy independence from authoritarian regimes. The Government’s efforts to create an investment-friendly investment environment and the protection of NATO’s defensive shield ensure foreign investors’ confidence. Transport and energy projects planned in Lithuania open up opportunities for Spanish investment in Lithuania,” said Landsbergis, inviting Spanish entrepreneurs to invest and develop businesses in Lithuania.
Lithuania aims to strengthen economic cooperation with Spain in high-tech areas and cooperate in reconstruction projects in Ukraine. Since 2021, exports of Lithuanian-origin goods and total exports to Spain have increased. Comparing trade data for the three quarters of 2021 and 2022, in 2022, total exports to Spain grew by 79 % (up to EUR 510 million0, while exports of Lithuanian-origin goods increased by 85 % (up to EUR 423 million).
The head of Lithuania’s diplomacy also met with Pau Marí Klose, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Congress of Deputies, and other members of the Committee. Discussions on international challenges focused on the need for increased joint efforts to make the voice of the EU better heard in the countries of the Eastern Partnership, the Western Balkans, Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
“The EU is not accustomed to speaking loudly about solid investment, support, and real assistance where it is most needed. Thus, we must step up our strategic communication effort and fight against authoritarian regimes’ propaganda inside and outside the EU. Often the EU is the main trading partner and the largest investor in the countries of the Eastern Partnership, Western Balkans, Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa. However, this information is not disseminated to the public and business communities,” said Landsbergis regarding the cooperation possibilities between Lithuania and Spain and strengthening the narrative about Europe.
The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Congress of Deputies thanked Lithuania for its leadership in mobilizing support for Ukraine and strengthening the effort of international organisations to respond to emerging challenges.
