This is the first high-level visit by a Lithuanian head of state to Vietnam in many years and marks a highly important diplomatic event, signifying the two countries’ mutual appreciation of their traditional friendship and all-around cooperation, while also opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.

As the motorcade escorting President Nausėda and his spouse entered the Presidential Palace grounds, President Luong Cuong and his spouse warmly greeted the Lithuanian leader, who is heading the country’s high-level delegation to Vietnam. Representatives of Hanoi’s children presented bouquets of fresh flowers to the President and his spouse.

To the sound of welcoming music, President Luong Cuong and President Nausėda stepped onto the podium. After the national anthems of both countries were played, the two leaders stepped down, and reviewed the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People’s Army. They then introduced members of their respective high-level delegations.

Vietnam and Lithuania officially established diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992. Over the past three decades, their traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation have continued to strengthen, underpinned by growing political trust, goodwill, and strong economic complementarity despite differences in size and geographic location.

Vietnam regards Lithuania as a sincere partner and friend in Central and Eastern Europe, while Lithuania values Vietnam’s growing role in Southeast Asia and within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The two countries share common perspectives on sustainable development, global integration, digital transformation, and responses to global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and supply chain resilience.

They have cooperated closely and support each other at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and ASEAN–EU frameworks. Lithuania has consistently supported key agreements between Vietnam and the European Union, including the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), both of which serve as essential legal and commercial frameworks for expanding economic and investment ties.

Lithuania was among the first EU member states to ratify the EVIPA.Bilateral trade turnover has seen steady growth in recent years, reaching US$192.7 million in 2023 to US$206.97 million in 2024, and hitting US$94.7 million in the first quarter of 2025.

With a population of over 100 million and a rapidly growing economy, Vietnam is a gateway to ASEAN, while Lithuania holds advantages in logistics, food processing technology, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy.

Effective use of the EVFTA and accelerated ratification of the EVIPA would create further opportunities for businesses in both countries to access each other’s markets and connect EU–ASEAN supply chains, especially amid the ongoing global restructuring of value chains.

Vietnam and Lithuania also see strong potential for cooperation in areas where their economies complement one another, particularly as both pursue sustainable development, green transition, and digital transformation. Lithuania is among Europe’s leading countries in e-government, digital governance, and tech start-ups, while Vietnam is actively boosting its national digital transformation strategy through 2030.

Education, training, and science–technology cooperation are also key aspects in bilateral ties. Many Lithuanian universities offer high-quality, affordable education in an international environment, well suited to the needs of Vietnamese students.

The two countries can expand scholarship programs, joint training initiatives, student–faculty exchanges, and scientific research. In addition, they hold potential for cooperation in high-tech agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, tourism and culture, and high-skilled labor. These sectors not only bring economic benefits but also strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding between the two nations.

Following the welcome ceremony, President Luong Cuong and President Nausėda led their respective high-level delegations in official talks to review past cooperation and outline orientations for future ties. The two leaders will also witness the signing of cooperation documents between ministries and partners from both sides.

Lithuanian President’s Vietnam visit expected to open new chapter in bilateral ties

The official visit to Vietnam by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his spouse from June 11-12 will opening a new chapter in the bilateral relations in a rapidly changing international context with many intertwisted opportunities and challenges, Vietnamese Ambassador to Poland and Lithuania Ha Hoang Hai has said.