Lithuanian President: 'I see confidence in the eyes of the Vietnamese people, you have come an impressive way'

Immediately after concluding high-level activities during his official visit to Vietnam, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda exclusively shared with TG&VN the results of the visit and assessed the prospects for cooperation between the two countries.

General Secretary To Lam received Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on June 12. (Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

What motivated the President to decide to choose Vietnam as an important stop on his Asian tour this time, after his visit to Japan?

Vietnam is a very interesting country and we have been closely following your achievements, especially in recent years.

Vietnam's economic development is impressive, reminding me of my own country – Lithuania – which has also achieved remarkable economic success since regaining independence in 1990, especially after joining the European Union (EU) in 2004.

Lithuanian President Lithuania gives an interview to TG&VN. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

We have repeatedly increased GDP, raised living standards, improved wages and today Lithuania is one of the countries with growth rates faster than the EU average.

I believe that is a solid foundation to strengthen and promote cooperation with Vietnam, as both countries are moving towards a similar development path – increasingly focusing on advanced, high-value technology fields.

Lithuania can share experience and expertise in areas such as fintech and life sciences.

We are also interested in cooperating with Vietnam in the energy sector, as Lithuania has come a long way in re-establishing and strengthening its energy security. Lithuania has been building a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the port of Klaipėda since 2014.

I understand that Vietnam is planning to build more LNG terminals in the future, and I believe that Lithuania can share its experience, consulting and operating capabilities for these facilities. We also produce solar panels, and I know that Vietnam is focusing on renewable energy sources. These are areas where the two countries can go further together and achieve more in the future.

President Luong Cuong and his wife take a photo with President Gitanas Nauseda and his wife. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Could you please tell us the main focuses of your discussions with senior Vietnamese leaders?

We discussed the above issues, but also expanded the context, including cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries, as well as between the EU and Vietnam. I know that five years ago, the two sides signed a Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and this agreement increased trade turnover between Vietnam and the EU by 40%.

Our two countries share the same vision. It is important to emphasize that both Vietnam and Lithuania respect human rights, respect the territorial integrity of other states, and are committed to the rules-based international order.

In the current context, when the geopolitical situation is changing in many places around the world, solidarity and finding like-minded partners are essential.

How does the President assess the potential for cooperation between Lithuania and Vietnam, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks such as ASEAN-EU?

I believe that the potential for cooperation is huge, especially in increasing bilateral trade and investment – both from Vietnam to Lithuania and from Lithuania to Vietnam. In addition, I would like to emphasize the role of the EU. The close relationship between the EU and ASEAN countries is an important foundation for promoting bilateral relations. These two blocs are closely linked.

I am looking forward to the ASEAN-EU Summit scheduled for this autumn in Malaysia. Lithuania wants to play an active role in this process – exploring the potential of Southeast Asia, leveraging the region’s strengths and, most importantly, building people-to-people links. We want to promote tourism and student exchanges, as cultural and educational ties are at the core of deeper mutual understanding.

I am really impressed by the friendliness and openness of the Vietnamese people. Even though I have only been in Vietnam for about 10-12 hours, I can clearly feel the warmth that you have for a guest coming from a country 8-9,000 km away.

President Luong Cuong and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the agricultural sector between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture. (Photo: Thanh Long)

As Vietnam is promoting high-tech development and encouraging the private sector – which are Lithuania's strengths, what experiences and good practices can the President share to support Vietnam?

I see Vietnam’s progress as being based on the development of the private sector’s potential. I understand that Vietnam currently has about 5 million business households and about 1 million enterprises – a huge number, reflecting the great potential of your country.

Today, I am accompanied by many representatives from the Lithuanian private sector and government agencies. I am pleased to announce that we have signed a number of cooperation agreements, covering almost all areas from energy, port cooperation, agriculture, transportation and future plans.

However, there is still a problem that needs to be solved. To date, the two countries have not signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. This process was initiated in 2013, which means it has been 12 years and has not yet reached a final result. I think the Finance Ministries of the two countries need to make more efforts to soon complete and sign this agreement – possibly in the near future.

State welcoming ceremony for Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his wife at the Presidential Palace. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

How does the President assess Vietnam's development aspirations and Vietnam's efforts to affirm its role in the international arena?

Vietnam is recognized by the international community as a country that respects international law and respects the territorial integrity of other countries. I believe that Lithuania and Vietnam have many similarities, especially in adhering to those basic principles.

Our two nations have both experienced much pain in history, but both have strong national pride. The people of both countries are hard-working, diligent, and do not accept external imposition. These are the things that have created the harmony and connection between us.

I believe that Vietnam can play a greater role in the international community. At every international forum, Lithuania will stand side by side with Vietnam to defend human rights, defend territorial integrity, and maintain the international order based on rules. We will always stand with you.

I have had the opportunity to visit Vietnam twice. This is my first time as President, but 12 years ago (in 2012) I visited Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City. I can clearly see the remarkable development of Vietnam over the past decade.

Many new buildings, changing urban landscapes, the country is becoming more modern and beautiful. Most importantly, I see confidence in the eyes of the Vietnamese people. That makes me believe that you have come a very impressive way of development, and I sincerely wish Vietnam to continue to achieve more success in the future.

I am absolutely convinced that my visit will pave the way for many more visits – from both government officials and private sector representatives of both countries. I have received an invitation from the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam to pass on to the Chairman of the Lithuanian National Assembly, and I am sure that the visit will be realized.

It is very likely that in the coming time, there will be more visits by representatives of governments, state agencies and businesses from both sides. These visits will make an important contribution to strengthening relations between Lithuania and Vietnam.

Thank you very much Mr. President!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tong-thong-lithuania-toi-nhin-thay-su-tu-tin-trong-anh-mat-nguoi-dan-viet-nam-cac-ban-da-di-mot-chang-duong-an-tuong-317521.html