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On 15 April, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Linas Linkevičius, met in Bratislava with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yoji Muto.

The Lithuanian and Japanese diplomacy leaders discussed bilateral political, economic and cultural relations, also the current affairs of the regions.

Mr. Linkevičius noted that the current friendship between Lithuania and Japan was being strengthened by the memory of the Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara.

“I often present the life story of the prominent Japanese diplomat Sugihara as an example to our diplomats. His deeds, both in saving the Jewish people and promoting human values, serve as a symbol and example for the whole world”, Lithuanian minister said.

At the meeting, the two officials also discussed the Lithuanian-Japanese cooperation in the field of energy, defence and education, as well as  cooperation in the international organizations. Minister Muto noted the successful efforts of Lithuania and its progress in seeking the membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Minister Linkevičius expressed his gratitude to Japanese diplomats for Japan’s initiatives aimed to commemorating the 25th anniversary of the restored diplomatic relations between the two countries, including the commemorative stamp which will be released on 16 April. The stamp, which was created by Lithuanian artist Evelina Paukštytė, features cherry blossoms, which is one of the most important Japanese symbols, also the Parliament buildings of the two countries.

On 15 April, Foreign Minister Linas LInkevičius also met with Andrei Galbur, Moldovan Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration. This was the first meeting between the two ministers following the appointment of the new Government in Moldova at the end of January this year.

At the meeting, Minister Linkevičius emphasized that Lithuania would remain Moldova’s reliable partner and would continue to support its European integration goals. According to Mr. Linkevičius, Lithuania was closely following the situation in Moldova and commended the country for its determination to fulfil the commitments that it had undertaken when signing the Association Agreement with the European Union. Minister Linkevičius encouraged Moldova to enhance their efforts as the further support from the EU depended on the actual results in implementing the reforms that this country needed.

The two ministers also discussed the reforms that Moldova is currently conducting in the system of justice, the banking sector and with regard to its anti-corruption action. The Lithuanian diplomacy leader stressed that Lithuania was ready to share its experience in addressing these issues.