Tánaiste welcomes President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, today met with the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, at Government Buildings.

They held discussions covering a range of topics including bilateral relations, support for Ukraine, security and defence, and preparations for Ireland’s and Lithuania’s upcoming Presidencies of the Council of the European Union.

Speaking following the meeting, the Tánaiste said: “I was pleased to meet with President Nausėda in Dublin today. Ireland and Lithuania are likeminded partners on a range of EU issues and as small EU Member States, we enjoy close collaboration, not least under the framework of Ireland’s Nordic Baltic Strategy to 2025.

“During the meeting we reiterated our steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continuing aggression. The importance of EU Member States working together in a context of growing external threats is more apparent now than ever. Recently, in Odesa, Ukraine, an underground school shelter co-funded by Ireland, Lithuania and the European Commission was opened by Irish and Lithuanian ministers. I really valued this opportunity to discuss Ukraine and look forward to further cooperation with Lithuania.”

The Tánaiste continued: “In less than a year, Ireland will take up our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Lithuania forms part of our Presidency Trio and President Nausėda and I took the opportunity to look forward to priority areas of future collaboration on the EU agenda and to the continued the close relationship between our two countries.”

During his visit, President Nausėda also met with President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. His visit encompassed a wide programme including engagement with the large Lithuanian diaspora in Ireland and visits to some notable Irish cultural sites.

ENDS

Press Office

11 July 2025