News

On 10 March in Wellington, a delegation led by the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Julius Pranevičius participated in political consultations between Lithuania and New Zealand.

The meeting focused on opportunities for closer bilateral cooperation, strengthening of economic relations, and common challenges of security and energy. The delegation of New Zealand, led by the country's Deputy Secretary for Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Australia Paula Wilson, informed about the country‘s support for Ukraine and confirmed readiness to cooperate with Lithuania to assist Ukraine in the future. Lithuania's Foreign Vice-Minister invited New Zealand to join Lithuania's initiatives aimed at helping Ukraine in the fight against Russia's brutal aggression.

Pranevičius stressed at the meeting: “While Lithuania and New Zealand are thousands of kilometers apart, we share a joint commitment to peace and security, both in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific. Security is not just a priority, it is an essential condition for the well-being of all of us and international stability.”

During the visit to New Zealand, the Lithuanian delegation also met with the Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith and the Deputy Secretary of Defence Richard Schmidt. The meetings focused on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, New Zealand’s ability to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction projects, and ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lithuanian delegation discussed possibilities for economic cooperation with Paul Stocks, the Deputy Secretary of Business, and Andrew Knight, CEO of Gas Industry Company, including the development of renewable energy, energy independence, prospects for the development of liquefied natural gas terminals in New Zealand and Lithuania's experience in this field.

Pranevičius also met with members of the Lithuanian community living in Wellington.