Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday received a Lithuanian parliamentary delegation led by members of the Committee on National Security and Defence. Taiwan and Lithuania find themselves on the front line against authoritarian expansionism and invasion, the premier said, but both nations persevere in upholding universal values including freedom, democracy and openness. Taiwan and Lithuania should thus share their experiences and strengthen mutual cooperation, standing together against totalitarian encroachment.
Taiwan and Lithuania have set up representative offices in each other's countries, clearly showing that both nations share close ties, the premier said. He anticipates that the delegation's visit will further enhance this relationship and facilitate more opportunities for cooperation and interaction. He also expressed gratitude to Lithuanian lawmakers for publicly supporting Taiwan's entry into the World Health Organization; Taiwan is fully ready to share its experiences of success with the world.
Laurynas Kasinas, chair of the Committee on National Security and Defence, said in his remarks that Taiwan is known as an island of freedom and democracy in Lithuania. He said it is quite clear, after the delegation's discussions with Taiwan's ministers and think tanks, that national defense is not only a matter for the army, but a matter for all of society, and thus we should talk about a whole-of-society approach to security.
Chair Kasinas noted that economic cooperation between Lithuania and Taiwan is producing success stories in relation to investment and technological exchange. After the Lithuanian government took several important decisions relating to Taiwan, China tried to harass, pressure and economically sanction Lithuania, but Lithuania survived and has demonstrated resilience. Chair Kasinas hopes that Lithuania will become a role model for other EU countries, and encourage other nations to cooperate with Taiwan.
In her remarks, Dovil akalien, deputy head of the Lithuanian Parliamentary Group for Relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan), said that while there is always diversity in democracies, the need to protect the safety and security of our citizens and to preserve democracy are common goals shared by all. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has opened peoples' eyes and made it easier for Lithuania to explain to its partners and other countries in Europe that China's path is also leading to potential threats to global security. Lithuania looks forward to expanding cooperation with Taiwan over a number of areas including defense, cybersecurity, and combating disinformation and propaganda, to make a joint contribution to global peace and security.