Washington: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys on Monday lauded his country’s good relations with Taiwan and said he hoped to expand cooperation and build “strategic partnerships” with Taiwan amid increasing threats from authoritarian regimes. Asked to comment on Lithuania’s policy toward Taiwan during a think tank event in Washington, Budrys told reporters that the two sides already have “really good cooperation.”
According to Focus Taiwan, Budrys emphasized the desire for expanded collaboration, especially in sectors requiring technological cooperation to bolster mutual strength. He highlighted the necessity for strategic partnerships in areas targeted by authoritarian regimes worldwide, though he did not provide further specifics.
Budrys pointed out that Lithuania and Taiwan share a “cooperation and an intense partnership” due to the geopolitical dynamics involving Russia and China. He noted the interconnectedness of the Indo-Pacific region and Europe, where conflicts in one region could have significant repercussions in the other.
He expressed concerns about Beijing potentially emulating Moscow’s actions in the Indo-Pacific region. This understanding aligns with the United States’ call for European nations to increase their defense budgets, underscoring the “peace through strength” philosophy.
Budrys, who is well-versed in security matters, has been serving as Lithuania’s foreign minister since a new government took charge in the Baltic nation on December 12, 2024. In recent years, Lithuania and Taiwan have strengthened their relations by establishing reciprocal representative offices.
The decision in 2021 to include “Taiwanese” in the title of Taiwan’s representative office in Lithuania prompted strong objections from Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory. In response, China took diplomatic and economic actions against Lithuania, including recalling its ambassador, expelling Lithuania’s ambassador, suspending direct freight rail services, and restricting Lithuanian exports.
Despite efforts by Lithuania’s new government to mend diplomatic relations with China, the country remains steadfast in maintaining the name of Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius.