Lithuanian president, South Australia premier, discuss cultural ties

VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who is on an official visit to Australia, met with Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas, who has Lithuanian roots, in Canberra on Thursday and discussed cultural ties and cooperation.

"Although separated by thousands of kilometers, Lithuania and Australia are like-minded and partner countries. We share democratic values and a common understanding of security threats and challenges. I am happy that Lithuanians and people of Lithuanian descent living in South Australia have not lost touch with Lithuania, that they cherish our language and our culture," the Lithuanian president said.

The Lithuanian president underlined that Lithuania values Australia as a trusted security partner and seeks to develop all-round cooperation in the fields of economy, science, human capital, as well as to promote student and academic exchanges and cultural cooperation.

Nauseda also pointed out that about 3,000 Lithuanians and 20,000 persons of Lithuanian descent live in Australia, and the state of South Australia has one of the most active Lithuanian communities.