Lithuania tells US lawmakers Taiwan remains key partner

VILNIUS - Lithuanian politicians have thanked US lawmakers for urging Lithuania to maintain its ties with Taiwan despite external pressure, saying Taipei remains an important partner.

The letter, addressed to President Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius, Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, and the ministers of foreign affairs and national defence, called for the continued maintenance of close relations with Taiwan.

Sinkevicius, through a spokesperson, thanked the members of Congress and said Lithuania's interest lay in strengthening ties with foreign nations and developing mutually beneficial cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also underscored that Taiwan is an important partner for Lithuania.

Earlier, Speaker Olekas noted that while the content of the letter should be kept in mind, Lithuania, while supporting democratic states, also seeks to normalise relations with China.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its expression of gratitude for the letter, highlighted that Taiwan is a significant regional partner for Lithuania.

It said Lithuania consistently seeks to develop mutually beneficial cooperation with Taiwan in trade, business, education, science and culture, as well as to promote people-to-people ties.

The letter, signed by four co-chairs of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus, noted that China continues to pressure countries that maintain any relations with Taiwan, but urged officials to "consider the importance of maintaining relations with those who cherish democratic values." It also pointed out that China continues to support Russia's war against Ukraine.

Lithuanian ruling officials have recently spoken more actively about normalising diplomatic relations with China. The government's programme includes an aim to achieve a level of diplomatic representation comparable to that of other European Union member states.

Relations between Lithuania and China soured in 2021 after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius under the name "Taiwanese."