'A strong sense of self-confidence on the faces of Vietnamese people gives me confidence in Vietnam’s future': President of Lithuania

General Secretary To Lam receives President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

Could you please share with us what motivated your decision to include Vietnam as a key stop in your current tour of Asia, following your visit to Japan?

Vietnam is a very interesting country, and we are closely observing your success, especially in recent years. The economic development of Vietnam is truly impressive, and it reminds me of my own country, which has also performed very well in the economic field since regaining independence in 1990 - especially after joining the European Union in 2004.

We have increased our GDP many times over, improved our living standards, raised salaries, and today Lithuania is among the countries growing faster than the EU average.

Lithuanian President grants an interview to The World and Vietnam Report. (Photo: Thanh Long)

I see this as a strong reason to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with Vietnam, as both our countries are moving in the same direction. We are both paying increasing attention to sectors that are considered cutting-edge, especially in the high-tech field.

Lithuania can offer expertise in areas such as fintech and life sciences. We are also interested in cooperation with Vietnam in the energy sector, as we have gone through a long process of reestablishing and strengthening our energy independence. For instance, we built an LNG terminal at the Port of Klaipėda in 2014.

I am aware that Vietnam intends to build new LNG terminals in the future, and I believe we can share our expertise and capabilities in consulting and operating these facilities. Lithuania also manufactures solar panels, and I know Vietnam is focusing on renewable energy sources. These are areas where we can move forward together and achieve much more than we have until now.

President Luong Cuong hosts grand banquet for Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. (Source: VNA)

What are the main priorities or key messages in your discussions with Vietnamese leaders during the visit?

We have discussed these issues, but of course, we also spoke in a broader context - about cooperation between the European Union and ASEAN countries, and between the EU and Vietnam. I know that a Free Trade Agreement was signed five years ago with Vietnam, which led to a 40% increase in foreign trade turnover with the EU.

We are like-minded countries. It is very important to emphasize that both Vietnam and Lithuania respect human rights and the territorial integrity of other countries. We are committed to a rules-based international order, which is especially critical in today’s context, where geopolitical turbulence is present in many parts of the world.

It is important to stay united and to find partners who share the same values and perspectives. This was another important theme in my discussions with the Vietnamese leaders.

What are your assessments of the potential for cooperation between Lithuania and Vietnam, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks such as ASEAN–EU?

I believe there is significant and strong potential to increase our trade turnover and mutual investments - both Vietnamese investments in Lithuania and Lithuanian investments in Vietnam. I also want to stress the importance of the European Union in this context. Close cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries creates a solid platform to strengthen bilateral relations, as these dynamics are very closely interconnected.

President Luong Cuong and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda witnessed the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement. (Photo: Thanh Long)

I look forward to the EU-ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting scheduled to take place this autumn in Malaysia. Lithuania wants to be an active part of this process - engaging with Southeast Asia, leveraging the region’s potential, and most importantly, establishing human connections. We aim to promote exchanges between our people, including tourists and students, because cultural and educational ties are essential for mutual understanding.

I must say I am truly impressed and deeply appreciate the friendly and welcoming attitude of the Vietnamese people. I have only been in Vietnam for about 10 or 12 hours, but I already feel how warm and hospitable your people are - even to someone coming from a country 8 or 9 thousand kilometers away.

As Vietnam advances in high-tech development and encourages private sector growth - both of which are Lithuania’s strengths - what key experiences or best practices could Lithuania share to support Vietnam on this path?

I see that Vietnam’s progress is strongly based on the recognition of the private sector’s potential. I understand that your country has around five million family businesses and approximately one million enterprises. These are huge numbers and reflect the vast potential you hold.

Today, I was accompanied by various representatives from Lithuania’s private sector as well as from governmental institutions. I am pleased to say that we signed numerous agreements covering practically all key sectors - energy, port cooperation, agriculture, transportation, and more - laying the groundwork for what we should do together in the future.

There is, however, still one outstanding issue that we need to resolve. So far, we have not signed the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. We initiated this process back in 2013, and now 12 years have passed. That is too long without finding a solution or finalizing the agreement. I believe our Ministries of Finance must exert additional effort to conclude and sign this agreement soon - hopefully in the near future.

Welcome ceremony for Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda held at the Presidential Palace. (Photo: Thanh Long)

What are your impressions of Vietnam’s aspirations for development and its efforts to assert an active presence in international affairs?

Vietnam is widely acknowledged as a country that respects international law and the territorial integrity of other nations. Lithuania and Vietnam have a lot in common in this regard - we share a commitment to these fundamental principles. Both of our nations have endured significant historical hardships, but we possess strong national dignity. Our peoples are hardworking and determined, and neither of our nations tolerates domination by external forces. This shared outlook unites us.

I believe Vietnam can play an even more prominent role in the international community. In all international forums, Lithuania will stand with Vietnam in defending human rights, the territorial integrity of states, and the rules-based international order. We will stand together with you.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Vietnam twice. This is my first time visiting as President, but I was here once before, in 2012. I visited Hanoi, the former capital Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. I can clearly see the remarkable progress Vietnam has made over the past 12 years.

There are new buildings, new architectural landscapes, and the country is becoming more beautiful each month. Most importantly, I see a strong sense of self-confidence on the faces of the Vietnamese people. This gives me confidence in Vietnam’s future. You have made significant progress, and I sincerely wish you continued success in the years to come.

I believe that my visit will be followed by others—from both government officials and representatives of the private sector. It is very likely that future visits will take place—both at the official level and among representatives of government agencies and private businesses. These exchanges will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the relations between our two countries.

Thanks the President!

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