Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Canberra today – the first visit by a Lithuanian President to Australia in 17 years.

The productive relationship between Australia and Lithuania is underpinned by shared democratic values, a commitment to human rights and open markets, and strong people-to-people ties.

President Nausėda welcomed Australia’s close partnership with the European Union, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to the conclusion of a comprehensive and ambitious Australia-EU Trade Agreement and to building trade and economic relations.

Prime Minister Albanese and President Nausėda reaffirmed their condemnation of Russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Nausėda thanked Australia for its close cooperation with NATO.

Australia and Lithuania have been united in expressing their condemnation of the abhorrent attacks on Israel by Hamas and in underlining the importance of protection of civilian lives and of respect for international humanitarian law.  

The leaders last met in July this year at the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Vilnius.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese

“Australia is fortunate to be home to a thriving Australian-Lithuanian community, one of the largest and most active Lithuanian diaspora groups outside of Europe.”

“Strong community ties underpin the modern Australia-Lithuania relationship, which is warm and continues to evolve to meet shared opportunities and challenges.”