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International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Thursday, 28.03.2024, 14:12

Grybauskaite defined priorities for Lithuanian ambassadors

BC, Vilnius, 03.07.2017.Print version
President Dalia Grybauskaite took part in the annual meeting with Lithuanian ambassadors where she defined the key objectives for the Lithuanian diplomats residing in foreign countries, informs BC the presidential press service.

Photo: lrp.lt

In the difficult geopolitical situation, Lithuania was assured of reliable defense guarantees and a solid support by its allies. However, according to the President, the role of diplomats becomes ever more important with Lithuania and entire Europe being confronted with more and more vicious propaganda and cyber-attacks. An open dialogue with allies and partners, ability to clearly name our security challenges and defense needs are important in the run-up to NATO summit in 2018 and in aiming to sustain international vigilance in the face of threats.


It is important for Lithuania and the entire region to ensure that decisions are taken on regional air defense of the Baltic states, that NATO defense plans with attributed specific military capacities are continuously updated, decisions are made faster in the alliance, and measures to avoid the possible military isolation of the Baltic states are taken.


The president also underscored that a united and firm international position was the most important tool in fighting against the construction of unsafe nuclear plant in Astravyets. Thus the duty of each Lithuanian diplomat is to ensure that all responsible foreign officials and Lithuania’s partners know about the danger posed by this nuclear power plant. 


According to the president, the protection of our citizens’ rights during Brexit remains a priority of Lithuanian diplomacy.  It is necessary to prepare for the upcoming negotiations on the multiannual financial framework to ensure funding for strategic projects.  


The president also stressed that national representations abroad had to strengthen Lithuanians’ ties with their homeland besides providing formal consular services.  Some 40% of Lithuanians residing abroad are interested in possibilities to return to Lithuania. They need specific and genuine assistance from diplomats. Lithuanian diplomats have to be accessible for all Lithuanians in the world regardless of their place of residence. For this purpose, it is necessary to ensure cost-effective use of available resources and increase e-accessibility of consular services.  


Lithuania will celebrate its centenary as an innovative and thrusting state that is open to the world. We were the first among the Baltic states to join CERN, the largest research organization in the world, and are establishing ourselves as the regional center for life-sciences. Lithuanian made medicinal products are exported to over 100 countries of the world and the life-sciences sector is the fastest growing sector in the EU with 20 per cent growth each year. In 2018, Lithuania will host the largest and the most important regional life-sciences conference Life Sciences Baltic. The President urged to be more proactive in inviting foreign scientists and business people. According to the President, the diplomats’ task is to strengthen the potential of Lithuanian innovations in the international space and to open up even more possibilities for national progress.


In the face of globalization challenges and with the global competition rising, a quality economic diplomacy is paramount.  Lithuania does not need short-term benefit, but rather investment from reliable foreign partners generating high added value and not posing a threat to national security.






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