Lithuania-Taiwan partnership ‘must become a success story’: Lithuania speaker

Lithuania-Taiwan partnership ‘must become a success story’: Lithuania speaker

2023-10-24

The speaker of Lithuania’s parliament, Victorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, led a delegation to the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday. Legislative Speaker You Si-kun presented her with a medal of honor for parliamentary diplomacy. He also thanked Lithuania for maintaining ties with Taiwan despite pressure from Beijing. Speaking at the Legislative Yuan, Cmilyte-Nielsen noted that many EU nations were observing the Lithuania-Taiwan friendship, to see what economic and investment results it yields. They will decide their next steps based on the outcome, she said, emphasizing that it was crucial that the partnership become a success.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun presents a medal of honor for parliamentary diplomacy to his Lithuanian counterpart, Victorija Cmilyte-Nielsen. Since 2021, Taiwan has deepened its friendship with Lithuania, with Lithuania resisting Chinese pressure to maintain its Taiwan ties. On behalf of Taiwan, You conveyed his gratitude to Lithuania.

You Si-kun
Legislative speaker
In an international society where monetary interests are used as a measuring stick, Speaker Cmilyte-Nielsen has stood unbowed, showing a noble character and her determination to uphold the universal values of freedom and democracy. On behalf of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China, Taiwan, I would like to express my utmost respect to the speaker for her unwavering resolve and her efforts to promote what is good.

Victorija Cmilyte-Nielsen
Lithuania parliament speaker
One could say that today’s cooperation between Lithuania and Taiwan and is a litmus test to many countries worldwide in general and to the EU in particular. A number of other EU member states are eager to see the specific economic and investment results achieved and it would determine further steps of other EU member states accordingly. This is why the partnership between Taiwan and Lithuania must become a success story. Together we must show that collaboration between democracies is both right and mutually beneficial.

Since the mutual establishment of representative offices, Taiwan and Lithuania have ramped up exchanges in trade, culture, and tech. Besides sharing democratic values, the two nations have geopolitical similarities, as both face an expanding regional hegemony.

Victorija Cmilyte-Nielsen
Lithuania parliament speaker
We must take action to support freedom in Ukraine and beyond. We must uphold the rule of law and human rights and we must take responsibility for our actions or our failures to act.

Taiwan and Lithuanian lawmakers stood side by side in a commemorative photo. The speaker will depart on Wednesday after a four-day tour, which marked a big step forward for Taiwan-Lithuanian ties.

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