Foreign relations of Lithuania

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Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates

Script error: No such module "Sidebar". Lithuania is a European country located on the south-eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It is a member of the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the World Trade Organisation. Currently, Lithuania maintains diplomatic relations with 186 states.[1] It became a member of the United Nations on 18 September 1991, and is a signatory to a number of its organizations and other international agreements. It is also a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe,[2] NATO and its adjunct North Atlantic Coordinating Council, the Council of Europe, and the European Union. Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade Organization on 31 May 2001.

Lithuania's membership in the EU

File:EU flag square.PNG

On 1 May 2004, Lithuania became one of the 27 member states of the European Union. The EU activities affect different spheres of politics, from consumer rights to national defence matters. In the second half of 2013, Lithuania took presidency over the EU Council. Membership in the Union has strengthened the domestic economy, giving it access to the wide pan-European market. Foreign direct investments in Lithuania are growing. The country is poised to become energy-independent. The accession to the Schengen space in 2007 has opened up possibilities for the free movement of both citizens and goods across 25 European states. Lithuania's citizens enjoy equal social guarantees while working, travelling, or studying at the Community's countries. The country now benefits from additional EU fund and programme funding in the field of education and science. As an EU citizen, every citizen of Lithuania has the guarantee of consular assistance of EU representative offices in countries where Lithuania has none.[3]

Lithuania's membership in NATO

File:Flag of NATO.svg

On 29 March 2004, Lithuania became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation[4] It is a defensive union based on political and military cooperation of sovereign states. Its members are committed to protecting freedom, guarding shared heritage and civilisation under the principles of democracy, individual freedom, and superiority of law. According to Article 5 of the agreement, all NATO states are obliged to defend one another. Lithuania entered into cooperation with NATO in 1991. Five years later, Lithuania launched its mission to the organisation, and in late 2002, Lithuania and six other states was invited to start negotiations over membership in the Alliance. Today Lithuania sees NATO as the key and most effective collective defence system, one that ensures the security of the state and stands to defer potential aggression, and employs every measure available to strengthen trans-Atlantic relations to contribute to the strengthening of the EU-U.S. relations.[5]

Lithuania as a part of the Northern Europe region

Lithuania is also an active member in the cooperation between Northern Europe countries. Lithuania is a member of the interparliamentary Baltic Assembly, the intergovernmental Baltic Council of Ministers and the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

Lithuania also cooperates with Nordic and other two Baltic countries through Nordic-Baltic Eight cooperation format. The similar format, called NB6 unites Nordic and Baltic countries members of EU. The main goal of NB6 cooperation is to discuss and agree on positions before presenting them in the Council of the European Union and the meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers.

The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) was established in 1992 in Copenhagen as an informal regional political forum, which main aim is to promote integration process and to affiliate close contacts between the countries of the region. The members of CBSS are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and European Commission. The observer states are Belarus, France, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine.

The cooperation between the Nordic Council of Ministers and Lithuania is a political cooperation through which experience exchange contributes to realization of joint goals. One of its most important functions is to discover new trends and new possibilities for joint cooperation. The information office aims to represent Nordic concepts and demonstrate Nordic cooperation in Lithuania.

Lithuania, together with other two Baltic countries, is also a member of Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and cooperates in NORDPLUS programme committed to education.[6]

Baltic Development Forum (BDF) is an independent nonprofit organization which unites large companies, cities, business associations and institutions in the Baltic Sea region. In 2010 the 12th Summit of the BDF was held in Vilnius.[7]

Since 2014, Lithuania participates in the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a multi-national military partnership.[8]

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Lithuania maintains diplomatic relations with:

File:Diplomatic relations of Lithuania.svg
# Country Date[9]
1 File:Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark Template:Dts
2 File:Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland Template:Dts
3 File:Flag of Norway.svg Norway Template:Dts
4 File:Flag of Austria.svg Austria Template:Dts
5 File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany Template:Dts
6 File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden Template:Dts
7 File:Flag of Finland.svg Finland Template:Dts
8 File:Flag of France.svg France Template:Dts
9 File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy Template:Dts
10 File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada Template:Dts
11 File:Flag of Hungary.svg Hungary Template:Dts
12 File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland Template:Dts
13 File:Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey Template:Dts
14 File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Template:Dts
15 File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium Template:Dts
16 File:Flag of Poland.svg Poland Template:Dts
17 File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland Template:Dts
18 File:Flag of the United States.svg United States Template:Dts
19 File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic Template:Dts
20 File:Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia Template:Dts
21 File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg Bulgaria Template:Dts
22 File:Flag of Romania.svg Romania Template:Dts
23 File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China Template:Dts
24 File:Flag of Mauritania.svg Mauritania Template:Dts[10]
25 File:Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina Template:Dts
26 File:Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea Template:Dts
File:Flag of Vatican City (2023–present).svg Holy See Template:Dts
27 File:Flag of Portugal.svg Portugal Template:Dts
28 File:Flag of Estonia.svg Estonia Template:Dts
29 File:Flag of Latvia.svg Latvia Template:Dts
30 File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain Template:Dts
31 File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia Template:Dts
32 File:Flag of Japan.svg Japan Template:Dts
33 File:Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea Template:Dts
34 File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil Template:Dts
35 File:Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico Template:Dts
36 File:Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia Template:Dts
37 File:Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Template:Dts
38 File:Flag of Armenia.svg Armenia Template:Dts
39 File:Flag of Slovenia.svg Slovenia Template:Dts
40 File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands Template:Dts
41 File:Flag of Chile.svg Chile Template:Dts
42 File:Flag of Mongolia.svg Mongolia Template:Dts
43 File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine Template:Dts
44 File:Flag of the Philippines.svg Philippines Template:Dts
45 File:Flag of Greece.svg Greece Template:Dts
46 File:Flag of Israel.svg Israel Template:Dts
47 File:Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand Template:Dts
48 File:Flag of Egypt.svg Egypt Template:Dts
49 File:Flag of Venezuela.svg Venezuela Template:Dts
50 File:Flag of Croatia.svg Croatia Template:Dts
51 File:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam Template:Dts
52 File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania Template:Dts
53 File:Flag of India.svg India Template:Dts
54 File:Flag of Guinea.svg Guinea Template:Dts
55 File:Flag of Senegal.svg Senegal Template:Dts
56 File:Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco Template:Dts
57 File:Flag of Costa Rica.svg Costa Rica Template:Dts
58 File:Flag of Yemen.svg Yemen Template:Dts
59 File:Flag of Cape Verde.svg Cape Verde Template:Dts
60 File:Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Kazakhstan Template:Dts
61 File:Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Zimbabwe Template:Dts
62 File:Flag of Tunisia.svg Tunisia Template:Dts
63 File:Flag of Luxembourg.svg Luxembourg Template:Dts
64 File:Flag of Kyrgyzstan.svg Kyrgyzstan Template:Dts
65 File:Flag of Moldova.svg Moldova Template:Dts
File:Flag of the Order of St. John (various).svg Sovereign Military Order of Malta Template:Dts
66 File:Flag of Ghana.svg Ghana Template:Dts
67 File:Flag of Turkmenistan.svg Turkmenistan Template:Dts
68 File:Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Uzbekistan Template:Dts
69 File:Flag of Tajikistan.svg Tajikistan Template:Dts
70 File:Flag of Oman.svg Oman Template:Dts
71 File:Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg United Arab Emirates Template:Dts
72 File:Flag of Ecuador.svg Ecuador Template:Dts
73 File:Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg Bosnia and Herzegovina Template:Dts
74 File:Flag of Bangladesh.svg Bangladesh Template:Dts
75 File:Flag of Panama.svg Panama Template:Dts
76 File:Flag of Qatar.svg Qatar Template:Dts
77 File:Flag of Cyprus.svg Cyprus Template:Dts
78 File:Flag of Belarus.svg Belarus Template:Dts
79 File:Flag of Paraguay.svg Paraguay Template:Dts
80 File:Flag of Uruguay.svg Uruguay Template:Dts
81 File:Flag of Lebanon.svg Lebanon Template:Dts
82 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand Template:Dts
83 File:Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi Template:Dts
84 File:Flag of the Syrian revolution.svg Syria Template:Dts
85 File:Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles Template:Dts
86 File:Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia Template:Dts
87 File:Flag of Colombia.svg Colombia Template:Dts
88 File:Flag of Singapore.svg Singapore Template:Dts
89 File:Flag of Iran.svg Iran Template:Dts
90 File:Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania Template:Dts
91 File:Flag of Guatemala.svg Guatemala Template:Dts
92 File:Flag of Bolivia.svg Bolivia Template:Dts
93 File:Flag of Malta.svg Malta Template:Dts
94 File:Flag of Gabon.svg Gabon Template:Dts
95 File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia Template:Dts
96 File:Flag of Nicaragua.svg Nicaragua Template:Dts
97 File:Flag of Mozambique.svg Mozambique Template:Dts
98 File:Flag of Kuwait.svg Kuwait Template:Dts
99 File:Flag of Algeria.svg Algeria Template:Dts
100 File:Flag of Pakistan.svg Pakistan Template:Dts
101 File:Flag of Jordan.svg Jordan Template:Dts
102 File:Flag of Chad.svg Chad Template:Dts
103 File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos Template:Dts
104 Template:Country data Georgia Template:Dts
105 File:Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg Dominican Republic Template:Dts
106 File:Flag of Bahrain.svg Bahrain Template:Dts
107 Template:Country data North Macedonia Template:Dts
108 File:Flag of Jamaica.svg Jamaica Template:Dts
109 File:Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Azerbaijan Template:Dts
110 File:Flag of Mali.svg Mali Template:Dts
111 File:Flag of Sri Lanka.svg Sri Lanka Template:Dts
112 File:Flag of Andorra.svg Andorra Template:Dts
113 File:Flag of Peru.svg Peru Template:Dts
114 File:Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya Template:Dts
115 File:Flag of Côte d'Ivoire.svg Ivory Coast Template:Dts
116 File:Flag of Eritrea.svg Eritrea Template:Dts
117 File:Flag of Burkina Faso.svg Burkina Faso Template:Dts
118 File:Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia Template:Dts
119 File:Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti Template:Dts
120 File:Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius Template:Dts
121 File:Flag of El Salvador.svg El Salvador Template:Dts
122 File:Flag of Maldives.svg Maldives Template:Dts
123 File:Flag of The Gambia.svg Gambia Template:Dts
124 File:Flag of Lesotho.svg Lesotho Template:Dts
125 File:Flag of Serbia.svg Serbia Template:Dts
126 File:Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria Template:Dts
127 File:Flag of Liechtenstein.svg Liechtenstein Template:Dts
128 File:Flag of Brunei.svg Brunei Template:Dts
129 File:Flag of Zambia.svg Zambia Template:Dts
130 File:Flag of Angola.svg Angola Template:Dts
131 File:Flag of San Marino.svg San Marino Template:Dts
132 File:Flag of São Tomé and Príncipe.svg São Tomé and Príncipe Template:Dts
133 File:Flag of Botswana.svg Botswana Template:Dts
134 File:Flag of Antigua and Barbuda.svg Antigua and Barbuda Template:Dts
135 File:Flag of Belize.svg Belize Template:Dts
136 File:Flag of Honduras (2022-).svg Honduras Template:Dts
137 File:Flag of Nepal.svg   Nepal Template:Dts
138 File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia Template:Dts
139 File:Flag of Afghanistan (2013–2021).svg Afghanistan Template:Dts
140 File:Flag of the Bahamas.svg Bahamas Template:Dts
141 File:Flag of Benin.svg Benin Template:Dts
142 File:Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Saudi Arabia Template:Dts
143 File:Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg Republic of the Congo Template:Dts
144 File:Flag of Namibia.svg Namibia Template:Dts
145 File:Flag of Iraq.svg Iraq Template:Dts
146 File:Flag of Montenegro.svg Montenegro Template:Dts
147 File:Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Template:Dts
148 File:Flag of Libya.svg Libya Template:Dts
File:Flag of Kosovo.svg Kosovo Template:Dts
149 File:Flag of Samoa.svg Samoa Template:Dts
150 File:Flag of Barbados.svg Barbados Template:Dts
151 File:Flag of Saint Lucia.svg Saint Lucia Template:Dts
152 File:Flag of Haiti.svg Haiti Template:Dts
153 File:Flag of Monaco.svg Monaco Template:Dts
154 File:Flag of Nauru.svg Nauru Template:Dts
155 File:Flag of Malawi.svg Malawi Template:Dts
156 File:Flag of Guyana.svg Guyana Template:Dts
157 File:Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda Template:Dts
158 File:Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg Solomon Islands Template:Dts
159 File:Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.svg Saint Kitts and Nevis Template:Dts
160 File:Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Trinidad and Tobago Template:Dts
161 File:Flag of Suriname.svg Suriname Template:Dts
162 File:Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda Template:Dts
163 File:Flag of Palau.svg Palau Template:Dts
164 File:Flag of Cuba.svg Cuba Template:Dts
165 File:Flag of the Comoros.svg Comoros Template:Dts
166 File:Flag of Grenada.svg Grenada Template:Dts
167 File:Flag of East Timor.svg Timor-Leste Template:Dts
168 File:Flag of Dominica.svg Dominica Template:Dts
169 File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar Template:Dts
170 File:Flag of Cameroon.svg Cameroon Template:Dts
171 File:Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg Federated States of Micronesia Template:Dts
172 File:Flag of Kiribati.svg Kiribati Template:Dts
173 File:Flag of Fiji.svg Fiji Template:Dts
174 File:Flag of Sierra Leone.svg Sierra Leone Template:Dts
175 File:Flag of Liberia.svg Liberia Template:Dts
176 File:Flag of Niger.svg Niger Template:Dts
177 File:Flag of Togo (3-2).svg Togo Template:Dts
178 File:Flag of Vanuatu.svg Vanuatu Template:Dts
179 File:Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan Template:Dts
180 File:Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar Template:Dts
181 File:Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia Template:Dts
182 File:Flag of Tuvalu.svg Tuvalu Template:Dts
183 File:Flag of the Central African Republic.svg Central African Republic Template:Dts
184 File:Flag of the Marshall Islands.svg Marshall Islands Template:Dts
185 File:Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatini Template:Dts
186 File:Flag of Guinea-Bissau.svg Guinea-Bissau Template:Dts
187 File:Flag of Tonga.svg Tonga Template:Dts

Multilateral

Organization Formal Relations Began Notes
File:Flag of Europe.svg European Union See 2004 enlargement of the European Union

Lithuania joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004.

Template:Country data NATO

Lithuania joined NATO as a full member on 29 March 2004.

Africa

Country Formal relations (re)established Notes
Template:Flagu See Algeria–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu 17 February 2000 See Gambia–Lithuania relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 February 2000.[11]

Template:Flagu 11 June 2008 See Libya–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu See Lithuania–South Africa relations
Template:Flagu See Lithuania–Tunisia relations

America

Country Formal relations (re)established Notes
Template:Flagu 23 September 2004

Both countries established diplomatic relations on September 23, 2004.[11]

Template:Flagu 1991
Template:Flagu 1991 See Brazil–Lithuania relations
  • Brazil is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark and maintains an honorary consulate in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania maintains a consulate-general in São Paulo.
Template:Flagu 2 September 1991 See Canada–Lithuania relations
  • Canada has an embassy office in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Ottawa.
Template:Flagu 5 November 1991 See Lithuania–Mexico relations
File:Honorary Consulate of Lithuania, Mexico City.jpg
Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Mexico City

Lithuania and Mexico initially established diplomatic relations on 31 May 1938 and signed a Treaty of Friendship in Washington, D.C., United States. Mexico never recognized the annexation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union and condemned the action. On 5 November 1991, Mexico recognized and re-established diplomatic relations with Lithuania. In 2002, President Valdas Adamkus paid a visit to Mexico and met with Mexican President Vicente Fox. In 2008, President Adamkus returned to Mexico for a visit and met with Mexican President Felipe Calderón.[12]

Template:Flagu 9 June 1997
File:Lithuanian Consulate, Lima 05.jpg
Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Lima
Template:Flagu 28 July 1992 See Lithuania–United States relations
File:President Biden held talks with President Nauseda of Lithuania at the Presidential Palace before the NATO Summit.jpg
Joe Biden and Gitanas Nausėda during 2023 Vilnius Summit
File:Valdas Adamkus and George W. Bush 1998 (2).jpg
Valdas Adamkus and George W. Bush in Vilnius in 2002.

Lithuania and the United States first entered into diplomatic relations on 28 July 1992, thanks to enormous efforts from governmental officials of Lithuania and members of the Lithuanian community in the U.S. During the entire period when Lithuania was occupied, the U.S. pursued a policy of non-recognition of the occupation. After independence was restored, on 6 September 1991 the two countries resumed their cross-border relations. U.S. governmental and non-governmental organisations have lent a lot of assistance to strengthen the public and governmental institutions and market economy of the fledgling democracy.[17] On 2 October 1992, the U.S. embassy was launched in Vilnius. On 22 November 2002, U.S. President George W. Bush paid the first official visit to Lithuania. On 8 May 2003, the United States Senate cast a unanimous vote ratifying NATO membership protocols and opening up a door to NATO for Lithuania.[18] Currently, there are 29 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and the U.S. in various field.[19]

Asia

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Template:Flagu 21 November 1991
Template:Flagu 1995-11-27
Template:Flagu 2 November 1992

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 November 1992[21]

Template:Flagu Template:Dts See China-Lithuania relations

The Republic of China established diplomatic relations in 1921.

China has a Chargé d'affaires office in Vilnius. Lithuania had an embassy in Beijing. In 1992, the embassy of China was established in Vilnius and in 1995, the embassy of Lithuania was established in Beijing.

Template:Flagu 16 September 1994 See Georgia–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu 1992-04-27 See India–Lithuania relations
  • India has an honorary consulate in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania has an embassy in New Delhi and an Honorary Consulate in Mumbai, India.
Template:Flagu See Iran–Lithuania relations
  • Iran is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
  • Lithuania is accredited to Iran from its embassy in Ankara, Turkey.
Template:Flagu Template:Dts See Israel–Lithuania relations

Israel recognized Lithuania's independence in 1992. Both countries established diplomatic relation in 1992. Israel is represented in Lithuania through its embassy in Vilnius (previously through its embassy in Riga, Latvia). Lithuania has an embassy in Tel Aviv and 2 honorary consulates (in Herzliya and Ramat Gan).

Template:Flagu 1991 09 06 See Japan–Lithuania relations

Relations between Lithuania and Japan started on 22 December 1922, when Lithuania was recognized by Japan de jure.[22][23] In 1939 the Consulate of Japan, headed by vice-consul Chiune Sugihara, was opened in Kaunas. It was closed in 1940 when Lithuania was annexed by the Soviet Union. On 6 September 1991, Japan recognized the independence of the Republic of Lithuania from the Soviet Union and on 10 October, Diplomatic relations were restored. In 1997, Embassy of Japan was established in Lithuania, in 1998, Embassy of Lithuania was established in Japan. In 2006 May, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Taro Aso visited Lithuania, and Kirkilas, the Prime Minister of Lithuania, visited Japan just three months later. Bilateral relations were strengthen by the official state visit of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in 2007 May.[24]

Template:Flagu 1992-06-12
Template:Flagu Template:Dts
Template:Flagu Template:Dts See Lithuania–Malaysia relations

Lithuania has an honorary consulate in Kuala Lumpur,[27] while Malaysia embassy in Stockholm were also accredited to Lithuania.

Template:Flagu See Lithuania–Palestine relations
Template:Flagu 1991-10-14[28]
Template:Flagu 1992
Template:Flagu See Lithuania–Turkey relations
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Ankara.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Vilnius.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
  • Lithuania is an EU member and Turkey is an EU candidate. Lithuania supports Turkey's accession negotiations to the EU, although negotiations have now been suspended.
Template:Flagu See Lithuania–Vietnam relations

Europe

Country Formal relations (re)established Notes
Template:Flagu 27 April 1992 See Albania–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu 28 August 1991
Template:Flagu 30 December 1992 See Belarus–Lithuania relations

Lithuania entered into an international relationship with Belarus in 1991, when, on 20 December, the Supreme Council of Lithuania recognised the independence of the Republic of Belarus, with Belarus recognising the independence of Lithuania a week later, on 27 December. On 30 December 1992, an agreement to enter into diplomatic relations was made in Minsk.[32] In 1995, the presidents of the two countries, Algirdas Brazauskas and Alexander Lukashenko signed an agreement on Good Neighbourhood and Cooperation. Top-ranking governmental officials have exchanged visits. Since 2007, the heads of the governments of the two states have been meeting on regular basis. Belarus is an important economic partner to Lithuania,[33] yet Lithuania supports the stance of the EU and other international organisations on this state. Recently, the nuclear power plant under construction in Astravyets, Belarus, which is considered by Lithuania unsafe, has been escalating tensions. On top of that, Belarus's growing energy, economic, and military dependence on Russia is forcing Lithuania to exercise caution in measuring the political decisions of the country. Currently, there are 27 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and Belarus in different areas.[34]

  • Belarus has an embassy in Vilnius.[35]
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Minsk[36] and a general consulate in Hrodna.[37]
  • Both countries share 680 km of common border.
Template:Flagu 10 September 1991[38] See Bulgaria–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu 18 March 1992 See Croatia–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu 26 September 1991 See Denmark–Lithuania relations

After Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, Denmark's government approved of and lent its assistance to the establishment of the Baltic Information Bureau in Copenhagen in the fall of 1990, to become the first Baltic institution of the kind in Western Europe. On 28 February 1991, the Danish and the Lithuanian foreign ministers inked a mutual protocol, undertaking to reconstruct diplomatic relations whenever possible. The Lithuanian–Denmark diplomatic relations were restored on 26 September 1991. On the initiative of Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, then the Danish foreign minister, an active policy on the Baltics was established and followed until our country joined NATO and the EU. Denmark's tremendous assistance to Lithuania was instrumental to the achievement of our NATO and EU ambitions and the huge inflow of Danish investments in Lithuania. Today, the two countries are cooperating very closely in the fields of defence and economy.

Template:Flagu 16 June 1991 See Estonia–Lithuania relations
  • Estonia has an embassy in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu 28 August 1991 See Finland–Lithuania relations
File:Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda met in Helsinki 2 September (54761098005).jpg
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda met with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Helsinki, 2 September 2025

Finland recognised Lithuania's independence on 28 August 1991, and the two countries started diplomatic relations the very same day. Finland is a key partner and neighbour to Lithuania, with the countries pursuing active cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, regional, information security, to name a few. Currently, there are 11 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and Finland different fields.[40]

  • Finland has an embassy in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Helsinki.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu 29 August 1991 See France–Lithuania relations

The first contacts between Lithuania and France were established back in the fall of 1918, and the 1919 Versailles peace conference featured a Lithuanian delegation under Oskaras Milašius. France pronounced de jure recognition of Lithuania on 20 December 1922, becoming a key political partner to the state of Lithuania of the period. During the times of Soviet occupation, Lithuania did not have an official mission to France, even though individual persons were allowed to act in an emissary capacity. The diplomatic relations were resumed on 29 August 1991.

Template:Flagu 27 August 1991

See Germany–Lithuania relations

Germany was the first state to de jure recognise Lithuania's statehood on 23 March 1918. Even though Lithuania had been trying to build close ties with this country before the Second World War, on 23 March 1939 Germany made an ultimatum and took over the region of Klaipėda. With the Second World War raging on, in summer 1941, Germany pushed the invading Soviet regime out of Lithuania and occupied the country until early 1945. During the period, in 1942, Germany established a self-government reporting to the German authorities. In the wake of the failed coup and the factual collapse of the Soviet Union in August 1991, on 27 August 1991, the Federal Republic of Germany recognised the independence of the Republic of Lithuania and entered into diplomatic relation s with the country on 28 August. On 28 November 1991, Germany supported Lithuania's membership in the EU and NATO. On the basis of the decisions made at the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw, as of February 2017, Lithuania hosts a NATO enhanced forward presence battlegroup under German command. Currently, there are 21 bilateral agreements regulating the historically finest relationship between Lithuania and Germany.

Template:Flagu 7 February 1992[41] See Greece–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu 30 September 1991[42]

The first Pope to de jure recognise Lithuania in 1922 was Pius XI, with Kazys Bizauskas dispatched to represent Lithuania in the Vatican. In 1926, Kaunas ecclesiastical province was established, and a concord with the Holy See was signed in 1927.[43] The latter had never recognised Lithuania's incorporation into the Soviet Union. Lithuania had its embassies to the Holy See in Rome. Full-fledged diplomatic relations were resumed on 30 September 1991 with a bilateral declaration signed in Vilnius.[44] On 11 July 1992, Kazys Lozoraitis became Lithuania's first ambassador to the Holy See.[45] Currently, there are 4 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and the Holy See in different fields.[46]

Template:Flagu 26 August 1991 See Iceland–Lithuania relations
  • Iceland was the first country which recognised Lithuania's Independence from the Soviet Union on 11 January 1991.[47]
Template:Flagu
  • Italy has an embassy in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Rome.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu 16 July 2008 See Kosovo–Lithuania relations
  • Lithuania recognized Kosovo on 6 May 2008.[48] Diplomatic relations commenced on 16 July 2008.[49]
Template:Flagu 12 February 1921 See Latvia–Lithuania relations
File:Lietuvas parlamenta priekšsēdētāja vizīte Latvijā (31088580590).jpg
Lithuanian Speaker Viktoras Pranckietis and Latvian Prime Minister Māri Kučinski in 2016.

The diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Latvia date back to 1919. On 12 February 1921, Latvia de jure recognised Lithuania. Throughout the entire period of independence of the two states between the two world wars, efforts were being made to strengthen cross-border and international cooperation by establishing new unions and partnerships. This did not produce any significant results. After the two countries restored their statehood, their diplomatic relations were resumed on 5 October 1991, when an agreement on the reconstruction of the state border, promotion and protection of investments, air service, and other matters, was made.[50] Today, Latvia ranks second on the list of Lithuania's export partners, and fourth in terms of imports.[51] Currently, the relations between Lithuania and Latvia in different fields are regulated by 23 bilateral agreements.[52] and 22 tripartite agreements, which involve Estonia[53]

Template:Flagu 7 February 1994[54]
Template:Flagu 8 July 1992
Template:Flagu 27 April 1992

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1992.[57]

Template:Flagu 27 August 1991

Norway recognised Lithuania's independence on 24 August 1991. On 27 August, the countries entered into diplomatic relations. Norway is a key partner in the areas of economy, energy security, and defence. Currently, there are 12 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and Norway in different areas.[58]

Template:Flagu 26 August 1991 See Lithuania–Poland relations
File:Spotkanie z prezydentem Litwy (48300785416).jpg
Lithuanian President Nausėda and Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki, 2019

Lithuania and Poland have a long history of mutual relations: from a common state to the period when all diplomatic ties were cut. Currently, the Lithuania-Poland relations are excellent. Poland recognised Lithuania's independence on 26 August 1991, and the two countries entered into a diplomatic relationship on 5 August 1991. To promote cross-border relations, an agreement on friendly relations and good neighbourly cooperation between the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Poland[59] was signed on 26 April 1994. The agreement regulates the underlying principles that support the cooperation between the countries, waiving any territorial claims, and defines the rights of ethnic minorities. In February 1995, the first official visit of the Lithuania's president to Warsaw took place. To ensure a more efficient cooperation between the countries and to facilitate the implementation of bilateral projects, in 1997, three joint institutions – the Advisory Committee of the presidents of Lithuania and Poland, the Lithuanian-Polish Interparliamentary Assembly, and the Lithuanian-Polish Council of Intergovernmental cooperation – were founded. Bilateral cooperation became very close and intensive with the election of Valdas Adamkus and Aleksander Kwaśniewski presidents of the two countries. Poland was an important ally to Lithuania in the country's bid to attain EU and NATO membership, both presidents acted as mediators during the Orange Revolution in Ukraine, and the countries still agree on foreign political threats and the importance of energy independence. Later, there has been some tension in the relations due to the controversy over the situation with ethnic minorities and the disputes over the spelling of Polish personal and place names and Polish schools in Lithuania. Difficulties in education are a challenge that the Lithuanian minority in Puńsk and Sejny is facing. With the changes that occurred in the geopolitical situation of the region in 2016 and energy and transportation infrastructural projects underway, the relationship between Lithuania and Poland is recovering, Poland is actively involved in ensuring the security of the Baltic region, its troops are continuously participating in NATO military training exercises in Lithuania.

Template:Flagu
  • Lithuania is accredited to Portugal from its embassy in London, the United Kingdom.
  • Portugal is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu 13 August 1991 See Lithuania–Romania relations
Template:Flagu 9 October 1991 See Lithuania–Russia relations

On 12 July 1920, Lithuania signed a Peace Treaty with the Soviet Russia, whereby Russia recognises the sovereignty and independence of the State of Lithuania[62] without reservations and with all of the resulting legal implications, and in good faith abandoned all of Russia's national and territorial claims for all times.’[63] On 27 July 1991, Lithuania and Russia signed an agreement On the Grounds of Cross-border Relations.[64] By this agreement, the countries recognised each other a full-fledged subject of international law and a sovereign state. On 9 October, of the same year, representatives of the two states exchanged notes that signified ultimate recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the state of Lithuania. Russia's troops took a little longer to withdraw from Lithuania. The last of the Russian military deployed in Lithuania left the territory of the country on 31 August 1993.[65] Lithuania supports the stance of the EU and other international organisations towards this state and approves the policy of sanctions. The country does not recognise the annexation of part of Georgian and Ukrainian territories to the Russian Federation. The country also takes active steps to protect its information space. Currently, there are 39 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and Russia in different fields. Lithuania has an embassy in Moscow.[66] Russia has an embassy in Vilnius, with a consulate in Klaipėda.[67]

Template:Flagu 14 December 2000 See Lithuania–Serbia relations
Template:Flagu 6 January 1993[69]
Template:Flagu 27 August 1991 See Lithuania–Spain relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 August 1991.[70]

Template:Flagu 28 August 1991 See Lithuania–Sweden relations

Sweden resumed diplomatic relations with Lithuania on 28 August 1991.[71]

Template:Flagu 26 August 1991[72] See Lithuania–Ukraine relations
File:Зустріч Президента України з Президентом Литви у Києві 27.jpg
Gitanas Nausėda meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Template:Flagu 4 September 1991 See Lithuania–United Kingdom relations

Lithuania established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 4 September 1991.

Both countries share common membership of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, the Joint Expeditionary Force, NATO, the OECD, the OSCE, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have an Investment Agreement.[78]

Oceania

Country Formal relations (re)established Notes
Template:Flagu 22 September 1921/6 November 1991 See Australia–Lithuania relations
  • Australia is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland and maintains an honorary consulate in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Canberra.[79]
Template:Flagu 10 January 1992 See Lithuania–New Zealand relations
  • Lithuania is accredited to New Zealand from its embassy in Canberra, Australia and maintains an honorary consulate in Auckland.[80]
  • New Zealand is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland and maintains an honorary consulate in Vilnius.[81]

Issues

Illicit drug trafficking

Lithuania has been a trans-shipment point for opiates and other illicit drugs from Russia, Southwest Asia, Latin America, and Western Europe to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.[82]

Anti-terrorism

Lithuania is a signatory to 8 of the 12 International Conventions related to counter- terrorist activities[83]

Human trafficking

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that about 1,000 citizens of Lithuania fall victim to trafficking annually. Most are women between the ages of 21 and 30 who are sold into prostitution[84]

See also

Further reading

References

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  14. Embassy of Mexico in Stockholm
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