Lithuania seeks to expand digital partnership with Philippines

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys met officials from the Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology in Manila to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in information and communications technology, cybersecurity and other sectors.

During the meeting, the minister emphasised that Lithuanian companies are already contributing to the digital transformation and business services sectors in the Philippines, providing a solid foundation for further economic partnership.

According to Budrys, Lithuania is ready to expand cooperation in areas where it has internationally recognised expertise, including cybersecurity, digitalisation, high-performance computing, IT infrastructure development and digital public services.

"Lithuania is ready to share its experience in building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem. We see great potential in the Philippines for strengthening national cybersecurity capabilities and look forward to further developing expert cooperation and business partnerships. We want to not only share experience but also create joint digital solutions for the future," the minister said.

The Lithuanian diplomatic chief noted that cooperation in cybersecurity is already yielding tangible results. Last year, Lithuanian experts organised training for Philippine cybersecurity specialists, including members of the armed forces. In September, a Philippine delegation will visit Lithuania for direct exchanges with local institutions and specialists.

The meeting also covered defence cooperation, including participation in international cybersecurity exercises such as "Amber Mist" and "Balikatan", as well as joint efforts to strengthen resilience against hybrid threats and disinformation.

According to the ministry, special attention was given to the responsible development of artificial intelligence. Budrys invited the Philippines to join the Vilnius Convention, the world's first legally binding international treaty designed to protect human rights in the age of AI.

The talks also highlighted Lithuania's development cooperation contribution to cybersecurity projects in the Philippines, with both sides expressing a desire to continue close institutional, expert and business collaboration to foster a secure and innovative digital environment.

Lithuania's top diplomat also met with the leadership of the Philippine Coast Guard at its headquarters in Manila on Thursday. The meeting focused on the security situation in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, regional challenges, and the critical importance of upholding international law and freedom of navigation.

Discussions also covered rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, hybrid threats, the protection of critical infrastructure, and the need to strengthen international cooperation to ensure maritime security.

"Lithuania consistently supports an international order based on international law. Adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes are essential conditions for security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Budrys said.

The minister emphasised that despite the geographical distance, Lithuania and the Philippines face similar challenges: increasing pressure on the rules-based international order, unilateral attempts to alter established international legal norms, and growing hybrid threats.

Budrys said Lithuania values the Philippines' efforts to strengthen maritime security and is prepared to develop bilateral cooperation and coordinate more closely in international formats to defend the rules-based international order.

Budrys noted that Lithuania appreciates Philippine efforts to enhance maritime security and stands ready to expand bilateral cooperation and coordination within international frameworks.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Coast Guard plays a vital role in ensuring the country's maritime security, protecting shipping lanes, conducting search and rescue operations, and contributing to the maintenance of a rules-based order in the region.