“The invitation from President Nausėda came at a very significant moment, seeing that this year marks the thirtieth anniversary since our two countries established diplomatic relations in 1994,” stated the President of Malta, George Vella.
President George Vella and Mrs Vella have started an Official Visit to Lithuania. They were welcomed by the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, and Mrs Diana Nausėdienė at the Presidential Palace, where after the official welcoming ceremony, the President was received by President Nausėda for official talks.
The Presidents addressed in detail and condemned Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine. President Vella explained how this Visit is also intended as an expression of support to Lithuania and its people regarding the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine. “Malta has been vocal in condemning these acts and maintaining that perpetrators must be held accountable,” stated President Vella.
The President also discussed the ongoing wave of instability and insecurity in North Africa and the Middle East and how this will have effects on Europe itself unless it is addressed as a priority. With regard to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, President Vella said that “a just and long-lasting peace in the region can only be ushered in by a permanent ceasefire.”
President Vella noted that this year is one that will see Malta and Lithuania cooperating very closely on the multilateral level. “As small countries, we both appreciate the value that effective multilateralism brings to the international community,” stated the President whilst thanking President Nausėda for the backing that Lithuania is providing to Malta in fulfilling its duties at the UN Security Council as well as Chair-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe for the year 2024.
During their exchanges, President Vella also conveyed Malta’s support and encouragement to Lithuania as it prepares to lead the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg in May.
On bilateral issues, President Vella remarked that Malta and Lithuania learned greatly about the potential and common opportunities that our two countries can offer: our economic and investment credentials, our commercial entrepreneurship, life sciences, biotechnology, fintech and tourism to mention but a few.
He said that Malta welcomes all possible options to enhance business relations as well as all initiatives aimed at promoting increased interaction between our respective commercial stakeholders.
President Vella also held an official meeting with the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Šimonytė.
In Vilnius, President Vella laid a wreath at the Memorial to those killed in the struggle for the Lithuanian Independence at the Antakalnis Cemetery.
President Vella was accompanied throughout his visit by Alicia Bugeja Said, Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights.
In the morning, Mrs Vella followed a separate programme. Together with Mrs Nausėdienė, she visited the National Cancer Institute, a specialised oncology institution in Lithuania.
The Official Visit will continue tomorrow when President Vella will be meeting with Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, speaker of the Seimas (the parliament of Lithuania), amongst other scheduled engagements.
