Zubair Qureshi
Pakistan’s public and private sector— banks, businesses, enterprises and companies— can multiply their growth as well as revenues by entering into cooperation with their Lithuanian counterparts as the country is a world leader in cutting edge technologies such as development of business service centers, startup ecosystem, fintech, software development, cyber security, life sciences, engineering and electronics.
These views were expressed by Vice Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Mr Egidijus Meilūnas while addressing a reception hosted by his country’s ambassador (non-resident) Mr Ricardas Degutis and Hon. Consul General, Ambassador Masud Khan on the eve of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
Since the year 2024 also marks the 20th anniversary of the European Union and NATO membership, one could see quite a good number of ambassadors and diplomats from the European, Asian and the African countries felicitating the Lithuanian CG and the ambassador on the auspicious occasion.
Pakistan People’s Party’s Parliamentary Leader in the Senate of Pakistan and former Federal Minister, Senator Sherry Rehman was the Chief Guest on the occasion. It was a well-attended reception and according to Senator Sherry Rehman both countries could develop strong links in business-to-business, green and renewable energy, businesses and service sectors etc.
Sen Sherry Rehman welcomed the vice foreign minister Egidijus Meilūnas on his maiden visit to Pakistan along with his team comprising Counsellor of the Indo-Pacific Directorate Mrs. Edita Kriščiūnienė and Attache, Export & Investment Promotion Division, External Economic Relations and Economic Security, Mr Ugnius Mardosa. She hoped the visit would pave the way for future cooperation and partnership between the two countries in economic, energy trade and tourism sectors.
Although a small Baltic state with around 2.7 million population Lithuania is today a global leader in the hi-tech service sector, businesses and trade, she said.
Sherry Rehman highlighted the role of chambers of commerce & industry and suggested business advisory councils, port and shipping sectors (as Lithuania is also a global leader in this sector) in fostering business ties. Pakistan’s 65pc population is youth and Lithuania’s advancement in digital technology can also help this untapped human potential to achieve growth and success, she remarked. Sherry Rehman particularly referred to Chairman of PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s last year visit to Vilnius as Foreign Minister where he signed MoU for future cooperation and partnership with Lithuania.
The Vice Foreign Minister of Lithuania termed the past three decades extremely dynamic for Lithuania. We established diplomatic relations with Pakistan just in four years after Lithuania succeeded to restore its statehood in 1991 after 50 years of Soviet occupation, and just in a few months after withdrawal of Russian troops from the Lithuanian soil, he said.
About his meetings held earlier in the day with officials of Pakistan’s commerce and foreign ministries, Mr Egidijus Meilūnas said they were very fruitful and friendly discussions on political and economic developments, bilateral relations, relations between the EU and Pakistan, situation in South Asia and Europe. The current trade volume between the two countries is around Euros 50 million with a little in favour of Lithuania but it could be enhanced considerably by enhancing trade links between the two countries, she said.
In the end, he commended Mr Masud Khan, the Honorary Consul General in Pakistan for his significant contribution into the Lithuanian-Pakistani relations.
