Historic meeting between Lithuanian and Japanese Prime Ministers: strengthening of international cooperation

Today, Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis hosted Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on his first visit to Lithuania. The counterparts discussed opportunities for cooperation through the continuous focus on the fields of economy, science, education and international security.

'We appreciate the first in the history of Lithuania visit of the Head of Government of Japan to our country. As like-minded partners, we see a lot of potential for strengthening the international and regional cooperation, especially in the area of security. Lithuania and Japan could collaborate in exchanging experience on how to strengthen cyber-defence, energy security', said Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis.

At the meeting, the Head of Government said he welcomed the proposal to seek greater dialogue between Japan and the Baltic States. Saulius Skvernelis noted that, cooperation in the fields of information technologies, transport, life sciences should be reinforced with financial technologies.
Supporting Japan's position vis-a-vis North Korea, the Prime Minister noted that all the countries should adhere to their international obligations and refrain from actions that increase tension and threaten peace and security in the region.

'I am pleased to be the first Japanese Prime Minister to visit Lithuania, particularly at the time when you celebrate the centennial of a reborn Lithuania', said Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a press conference.

Shinzo Abe highlighted the benefits of the signed agreements, which will help strengthen cooperation in various business fields. He also pointed out the increasing flow of tourists from Japan to Lithuania as a result of the bilateral agreements.

The Prime Minister of Japan expressed his appreciation to Lithuania for the assistance as regards Japan's participation in Afghan Provincial Reconstruction Team in 2009-2013.

The Prime Ministers recognised Chiune Sugihara's role as a symbol of the friendly bilateral relations. The Japanese diplomat is an example of tolerance, humanity and justice.

The visit was combined with a business forum held at the Office of the Government. It was attended by more than 30 representatives of Lithuanian businesses and 13 executives from the largest Japanese corporations, including Fukuyama Transporting Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Corporation, Fujitsu Limited and other companies operating in the fields of manufacturing, marketing, information technology. The business forum provided platform for both countries to present their activities and discuss the ways to strengthen economic relations.

Tomorrow, the Japanese Prime Minister will pau tribute to the victims of January 13th in Antakalnis Cemetery, followed by the visit to Sugihara Museum in Kaunas.

Japan is the third largest economy in the world. Lithuania has maintained friendly political relations with Japan, and the economic cooperation has been gaining momentum, particularly as regards trade. The export of Lithuania's agricultural and food products to Japan has been on the rise, the number of tourists from this country has been steadily growing.