Lithuania opens embassy in Singapore

VILNIUS – Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis officially opened Lithuania's embassy to Singapore on Friday.  

In his speech, the minister said that this marked "the opening of yet another gateway to Southeast Asia", according to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry. 

"This embassy is indeed a symbol of Lithuania's new relationship with the Indo-Pacific region and its growing friendship with Singapore. As we like to say in Europe, for our freedom and yours," he said. 

Landsbergis said that this step is in line with Lithuania's strategic commitment to expand its relations with the Indo-Pacific region.

"During the term of this government, we have already opened our embassies to Australia and South Korea, and a trade representative office in Taiwan," he noted.

Ambassador Darius Gaidys said Lithuania sees Singapore as a reliable intermediary for accessing other Southeast Asian markets in Southeast Asia.

"Lithuania, despite being a maritime nation, has not had a wide reach to the South East Asian region so far," the diplomat said. 

"The official opening of the embassy in the presence of the Lithuanian and Singaporean ministers symbolizes the expansion of maritime, land and air routes for Lithuanian businesses, tourism and cultural exchanges," he added. 

According to the Foreign Ministry, bilateral trade between Lithuania and Singapore amounts to 223.5 million euros.