'Vietnam’s appeal’ and the Lithuanian President’s first visit: Ambassador of Lithuania
WVR - On the occasion of the official visit to Vietnam by the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda (June 11–12), Lithuanian Ambassador to Vietnam Darius Gaidys shared with The World & Vietnam Report about the significance of the visit and the potentials for cooperation between the two countries.
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| President Luong Cuong received Ambassadors from the European Union, including the Lithuanian Ambassador to Vietnam Darius Gaidys, on June 9, 2025. (Photo: Nhan Dan) |
Could you please share the significance and main focus of the President of Lithuania’s visit to Vietnam this time?
Three years ago, our Government adopted an Indo-Pacific strategy that marked Lithuania’s strong and proactive engagement in the region. As part of this strategic framework, we have been working to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific nations, including Vietnam.
Recently, our bilateral cooperation has seen positive developments, including increased high-level exchanges. In 2023, our Foreign Minister visited Vietnam, and earlier this year, the Prime Ministers of Lithuania and Vietnam held a productive meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Now, this visit by the President of Lithuania is especially historic—it is the very first time a Lithuanian Head of State has visited Vietnam. The visit will emphasize the strengthening of political cooperation, as well as advancing economic relations. A key highlight will be the Lithuania–Vietnam Business Forum, held at the Melia Hotel, where the President will personally deliver the opening speech. Several Lithuanian companies, including state-owned enterprises in ports and energy, will participate.
What are your assessments of the potentials for economic cooperation between Lithuania and Vietnam?
We see promising signs in bilateral trade, with noticeable increases in both exports and imports, as well as growth in services. However, investment flows between the two countries remain quite limited, and there is significant room for improvement.
Lithuania, as a member of the European Union, believes both countries can greatly benefit from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement. We hope this presidential visit will serve as a catalyst for deeper economic collaboration.
Let me share one interesting figure: tourism accounts for 35% of Vietnam’s service exports to Lithuania, indicating that a significant number of Lithuanian tourists are discovering Vietnam every year - which is truly wonderful. But of course, there is much more we can achieve in both trade and investment.
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis exchanged cooperation documents in October 2023. (Photo: WVR) |
Could you share your view on Vietnam's position in the EU’s regional policy in general and in Lithuania’s foreign policy in particular?
Vietnam is an important partner for Lithuania in the region. We share a number of core values, including a commitment to the rule of law and a rules-based international order. We fully respect Vietnam’s concerns regarding the situation in the South China Sea, and we support adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Freedom of navigation and maritime security must be grounded in international law—this is a shared interest.
Vietnam has set ambitious new development goals, including green and digital transformation. What is your perspective on these efforts?
Yesterday, I participated in a meeting between the Vietnamese President and EU Ambassadors—both resident and non-resident. The President outlined Vietnam’s economic transformation strategy: diversification of markets and supply chains, green energy transition, digital economy, and a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. These are bold and admirable objectives.
Lithuania is ready to share our experience in energy transition. For example, our company KN Energies operates LNG terminals in Germany, Brazil, and Croatia, and we are eager to collaborate with Vietnam in this area. Likewise, we see opportunities for cooperation in cybersecurity and countering hybrid threats.
Many world leaders have visited Vietnam recently. What is your view on Vietnam’s growing role in global affairs?
Indeed, Vietnam is playing an increasingly significant role in international relations. Just last week, the President of Hungary visited Vietnam, and now our own President is making a historic visit. We note with appreciation that Vietnamese leaders are not only receiving international counterparts but are also actively engaging abroad. This reflects Vietnam’s rising stature on the world stage.
Vietnam is actively participating in multilateral forums, contributing to common issues. Climate change affects us all. For instance, if sea levels rise significantly—by 5 meters—Lithuania could lose a substantial portion of its territory. We’ve already observed changes: less snow in winter, more frequent typhoons and strong winds.
It’s encouraging to see Vietnam so engaged in this global challenge. Vietnamese Prime Minister is currently in France attending an international conference, underlining Vietnam’s commitment to multilateral cooperation. Climate change knows no borders, so collaboration is essential, and we welcome Vietnam’s active participation.
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| Lithuanian Ambassador to Vietnam Darius Gaidys shared with The World & Vietnam Report on June 10, 2025. (Photo: PH) |
Cultural exchange is another important aspect of bilateral ties. What are your thoughts on cultural cooperation between Lithuania and Vietnam?
We live in a globalized world, and even in business, companies operate across borders in increasingly complex ways. For instance, a Lithuanian-founded aviation training academy operates in Ho Chi Minh City, yet it’s registered in Ireland. Similarly, Lithuanian tech firms have operations in Vietnam via Singapore. This reflects our global interconnectivity.
However, cultural understanding is timeless. While many Lithuanians still associate Vietnam with traditional rural images, I often tell people: Vietnam is a modern country with strong technological capabilities and world-class manufacturing—you even produce components for iPhones and computers.
Vietnamese fashion, culture, music, and cuisine are also impressive. Your designers are creating stunning contemporary styles that are gaining international attention. We should know each other better—and cultural exchange is the key.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of our most famous composer and artist, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. It’s the "Čiurlionis Year," which will continue into next year. We would love to organize cultural events in Vietnam to celebrate this milestone.
In addition, we’d like to introduce more of our cuisine. At the business forum, one of the topics will be food and agriculture. “Food diplomacy” can be a very effective bridge between cultures. Likewise, we’d love to see more Vietnamese food products in Lithuania—your cuisine is healthy and among my favorites in the region.
What is your view on Vietnam's potential in the digital economy? Could Vietnam become a regional hub?
Vietnam already has a solid foundation in electronics, manufacturing, and digital services. The talent in your IT sector is impressive, and I truly believe it is only a matter of time before Vietnam becomes a major leader in the digital economy. Lithuanian companies are paying close attention and are eager to explore cooperation.
Thanks the Ambassador!
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