President Lai Honors Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister with Prestigious Medal


Taipei: President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday awarded a presidential medal to former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis to acknowledge his role in advancing Taiwan-Lithuania relations. Landsbergis, currently visiting Taiwan for the first time, received the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon at the Presidential Office in Taipei.



According to Focus Taiwan, President Lai expressed gratitude towards Landsbergis for his significant contributions during his tenure as Lithuania’s foreign minister. Lai highlighted Landsbergis’ pivotal efforts in fostering closer ties between Taiwan and Lithuania, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when Lithuania became the first European nation to donate vaccines to Taiwan. Landsbergis’ statement that “freedom loving people should look out for each other” resonated with many in Taiwan, leaving a lasting impression, Lai noted.



The president underscored that Landsbergis’ unwavering support led to the establishment of representative offices in both countries, with Taiwan’s office in Lithuania being the first in Europe to incorporate “Taiwanese” in its title. Lai remarked that this bilateral cooperation has yielded positive outcomes in sectors such as semiconductors, laser technology, finance, and medicine.



During the ceremony, Landsbergis expressed humility upon receiving the award, acknowledging the collective efforts of those who supported Taiwan’s democratic values. He asserted that freedom, democracy, liberty, and sovereignty are the core values that bond Lithuania and Taiwan. Landsbergis expressed optimism about the future of the countries’ friendship and collaboration, hoping it would inspire other nations to join in supporting democracy and freedom.



Landsbergis arrived in Taiwan on Sunday and is scheduled to remain until Thursday.