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Only active economic diplomacy and implementation of projects in the fields of energy, transport, logistics, tourism, agriculture, and export and investment promotion can help Lithuania to go in for increasing economic competition with other countries and withstand tensions across world markets,” Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis said. On June 11 in Taujėnai, he opened the 5th Convention of Lithuanian Honorary Consuls and a meeting of Lithuanian diplomats working in the field of economic diplomacy and commercial attachés.

“In the context of global competition and with tensions across world markets, it is extremely significant to have a concentrated, coordinated and pro-active Lithuanian economic diplomacy,” the Minister stressed.

He set out key tasks for diplomats working in the field of economic diplomacy, commercial attachés and honorary consuls that would enable Lithuania’s economic development: attract investments to Lithuania, promote exports of goods and services, search for new niches, protect Lithuanian business interests abroad, and boost Lithuanian inbound tourism.

Ažubalis named a few inspiring examples of successful economic diplomacy: since 1994 Honorary Consul in the Netherlands Herman De Lange has regularly consulted Lithuanian entrepreneurs; Honorary Consul in Oman Anees Issa Al Zadjali actively supports the effort of Lithuanian information technology companies to set foot in the Middle East.

“These and many other cases prove that an extensive network of Lithuanian honorary consuls yields direct, tangible economic benefits to our country. I could also say the same about many of our diplomats working in the field of economic diplomacy and commercial attachés,” the Minister said.

He also reviewed achievements of Lithuanian economic diplomacy in implementing international transport corridor projects, efforts to ensure the country’s energy independence and threats posed to the country by the nuclear projects that are implemented at Lithuania’s state borders.

“Russia and Belarus seek to construct unsafe nuclear power plants as quickly and cheaply as possible, this poses a threat not only to Lithuania, but also to entire Europe. We have to strictly say no to unsafe nuclear projects,” Ažubalis said.

According to him, Lithuania expects a significant contribution of its honorary consuls to the country’s upcoming Presidency of the EU Council, which will be one of the greatest challenges to the country’s diplomacy.

“During this period, public diplomacy will be more important than ever, as well as your creativity when implementing it in your countries, regions and business environment. This Presidency opens up a huge opportunity to present Lithuania to the world, but we have to take care of this ourselves,” the Minister stressed.

He named main priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency. “We are going to dedicate considerable attention to the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and to effective protection of external borders. We are also planning to hold the Summit of the Eastern Partnership in Vilnius next year, which will evaluate the progress of six Eastern European countries and will outline guidelines for further cooperation with the EU. We think it is extremely important that these countries should be democratic, competitive and focused on their close relationship with the EU. The same applies to Russia, as we strive to have a relationship, which would be transparent, equal, based on mutual respect and the well-being of our people,” Ažubalis said.

On June 11-13, the on-going Convention of Lithuanian Honorary Consuls is attended by almost 100 consuls from more than 50 countries. The event discusses issues of Lithuania’s economic development and national energy strategy, objectives of the country’s forthcoming Presidency of the EU Council, consular assistance, and promotion of ties with Lithuanians living abroad. Honorary Consuls will also hold a meeting with Lithuanian entrepreneurs.

At the same time about 60 diplomats working in the field of economic diplomacy and commercial attachés are attending a meeting in Lithuania to discuss trends of Lithuanian economic development, strategic projects in the fields of transport and energy, possibilities to promote export and investment, tourism industry potential. They will meet with entrepreneurs and visit Kaunas, Klaipėda and Plungė.