Strong ties with diaspora is one of Lithuanian govt's key priorities – PM

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on Monday welcomed the Seimas of the Lithuanian World Community (LWC), the highest governing body of the Lithuanian expatriate community, as it began its a session in Vilnius, stating that strong ties with the diaspora is one of the main priorities of the Lithuanian government.

The prime minister also vowed support for the legalization of multiple citizenship.

"Strong ties with the diaspora is one of the main priorities of this government. As we are implementing the "Global Lithuania" strategic guidelines for the Lithuanian diaspora policy, approved last year, we are paying particular attention to promoting Lithuanian language education, implementing the idea of a returning Lithuania, promoting the participation of the diaspora in building the state's prosperity, and, of course, resolving the issue of citizenship," the prime minister said.

She was also quoted as saying in the government's statement that "this government will do its utmost to ensure that joint effort will lead to better preparation for the referendum on constitutional amendments to allow for the introduction of multiple citizenship".

In her words, low turnout - both in Lithuania and abroad - is yet an unresolved obstacle to the resolution of the multiple citizenship issue.

In her speech, the prime minister also called on Lithuanians around the world to pool their assistance to Ukraine.

The Seimas of the Lithuanian World Community is meeting in Vilnius this week, with the election of its new board being one of the most important issues.