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President Luong Cuong received EU Ambassadors, including Lithuanian Ambassador to Vietnam Darius Gaidys on June 9. (Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper) |
Could the Ambassador share the significance and highlights of this visit to Vietnam by the President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda and his wife?
Three years ago, the Lithuanian government adopted the Indo- Pacific strategy, demonstrating a strong and proactive commitment to the region. Within the framework of that strategy, we strive to promote relations with countries in the region, including Vietnam.
Recently, bilateral cooperation has made many positive steps forward, especially increasing high-level contacts. In 2023, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister visited Vietnam. Earlier this year, the two countries' Prime Ministers also had a fruitful meeting on the sidelines of the Davos Forum, Switzerland.
This visit by the Lithuanian President is of special significance, being the first visit to Vietnam in history by a Lithuanian head of state. The visit focuses on strengthening political cooperation and strongly promoting economic and trade relations.
One of the highlights of the visit is the Lithuania-Vietnam Business Forum held at the Melia Hotel. The President will personally deliver the opening speech and deliver many meaningful messages. Many Lithuanian businesses, including state-owned enterprises operating in the port and energy sectors, will attend this event.
Three years ago, when answering the press about the visit of the Lithuanian Foreign Minister to Vietnam, the Ambassador was very optimistic about the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries. How is that potential transformed into specific projects, Ambassador?
Statistics show that bilateral trade between the two countries is growing positively, both in goods and services. However, two-way investment flows are still very limited, and this is an area with much room for development.
As a member of the European Union (EU), Lithuania believes that the two countries can fully utilize mechanisms such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). We expect the President's visit to be a strong boost to bilateral trade.
Here, I would like to share an interesting figure: Tourism currently accounts for 35% of Vietnam's service exports to Lithuania, showing that more and more Lithuanian tourists are choosing Vietnam as a destination, which is very encouraging. However, we can absolutely do more in the field of trade and especially investment.
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Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis exchanged cooperation documents in October 2023. |
What is your assessment of Vietnam's position in the EU's foreign policy in general and Lithuania's in particular?
Vietnam is an important partner of Lithuania in the region. The two countries share many common values, especially in respecting international law and a rules-based international order.
We understand and share Vietnam’s concerns regarding the situation in the East Sea. Lithuania always adheres to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and affirms that freedom of navigation and maritime security must be based on international law, which is in the common interests of both countries.
Vietnam is promoting green transformation and digital transformation with many important goals. How does the Ambassador assess these orientations of Vietnam?
Yesterday (9 June), I, together with the resident and non-resident EU Ambassadors, had a meeting with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong. The President clearly shared his economic transformation strategy, including market and supply chain diversification, green energy development, digital economy and the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
I consider this a strong and very encouraging direction. Lithuania is ready to share its experience in the field of green energy. Our company KN Energies operates several LNG terminals in Germany, Brazil, Croatia and is ready to support Vietnam in the energy transition.
Besides, we look forward to cooperating with Vietnam in responding to non-traditional threats such as cyber security...
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| Lithuanian Ambassador to Vietnam Darius Gaidys gives an interview to TG&VN on June 10. (Photo: PH) |
Vietnam is increasingly receiving international attention, as demonstrated by recent visits by many foreign leaders. How does the Ambassador feel about Vietnam’s growing international role and position?
We note that Vietnam is increasingly asserting its important role in international relations. Recently, the President of Hungary visited Vietnam and now the President of Lithuania. Vietnamese leaders are actively participating in foreign affairs activities, not only in the region but also on a global scale. This is a sign that Vietnam's international position and prestige are constantly being enhanced.
Vietnam actively participates in solving common international problems. Climate change is a global issue. In Lithuania, if the sea level rises by 5m, we could lose a significant part of our territory. We are seeing clear changes: Winters are no longer as snowy as before, there are more hurricanes and strong winds, which were not common before.
Vietnam is very active in responding to climate change. The fact that the Prime Minister of Vietnam is currently attending important international conferences in France is a clear proof. We need to cooperate more deeply because climate has no borders.
In addition to economic, trade and investment cooperation, how should the cultural field between the two countries be focused on, Ambassador?
In a globalized world, even businesses are transnational. For example, an aviation training academy based in Ho Chi Minh City was founded by Lithuanians but is legally registered in Ireland. Another of our technology companies has an office in Vietnam but is run from Singapore.
However, culture is something that endures. Many Lithuanians still imagine Vietnam as a traditional agricultural country with conical hats, but in reality, Vietnam is a modern, technologically advanced country with global manufacturing capabilities, even for iPhone and computer components.
Vietnamese culture, music, cuisine, fashion are very impressive. I especially like the modern designs of Vietnamese designers. We need to understand each other more and culture is a great bridge.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Lithuania’s greatest composer and painter Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, also known as the “Year of Culture Čiurlionis”, which will last until next year. We hope to be able to organize cultural events in Vietnam on this occasion.
We also want to introduce Lithuanian cuisine. We currently export some raw food products to Vietnam, but we want to expand it further. At the upcoming Business Forum, agriculture and the food industry will be an important topic. Gastronomic diplomacy is an effective way to increase mutual understanding.
On the contrary, we would also like to see more Vietnamese culinary products in Lithuania. I consider Vietnamese cuisine to be very healthy and it is actually one of my favorite cuisines in this region.
How does the Ambassador assess Vietnam's ability to become a digital hub in the future?
Vietnam has a very solid foundation in precision electronics manufacturing, digital services and a talented workforce in the field of information technology. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before Vietnam becomes a leading center in this field in the region. Many Lithuanian businesses are very interested and eager to cooperate with Vietnam in this field.
Not only at the bilateral level, the two countries can promote cooperation within the EU-ASEAN framework. This year, there will be an EU-ASEAN Summit with the participation of the President of the EU and the President of the European Commission (EC). This is an opportunity to exchange many initiatives both politically and economically. Personally, I am very impressed with the QR code cross-border payment system - a big step forward in ASEAN's digital trade.
Thank you very much Ambassador!
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/suc-hut-viet-nam-va-chuyen-tham-dau-tien-cua-mot-nguyen-thu-quoc-gia-lithuania-317229.html
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