News

On 28 July, during his visit to Klaipėda, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, visited the Port of Klaipėda and the Western Shipyard and met with the Mayor of Klaipėda, Arvydas Vaitkus.

Budrys and Algis Latakas, Director of the Port of Klaipėda, discussed the key projects that were developed and planned in the Port, ranging from the expansion of the southern part of the Port to green initiatives. They also discussed the importance of the Port of Klaipėda in the light of national defence and military mobility.

"The Port is of exceptional importance not only for Lithuania's economy, but also an important link in the energy and national security chain. The Port’s activities, international relations, and developing infrastructure boost the country’s resilience, promote a sustainable maritime economy, and build stronger ties with partners around the world, the Minister said.

The visit included a trip to the Western Shipyard, one of the most modern shipbuilding and repair facilities in the Baltic Sea region. The Minister and the CEO of the shipyard, Arnoldas Šileika, discussed the current projects and development plans of the company. Budrys emphasized that the company's activities have contributed significantly to the industrial capacity of the Port of Klaipėda and that there was great potential to contribute to the growth of Lithuania's defence industry.

During the meeting with the Mayor of Klaipėda, Arvydas Vaitkus, Budrys discussed ways to attract the Lithuanian diaspora to Klaipėda, attracting and retaining foreign investment, as well as military mobility issues.