Cyprus invited by President to establish an embassy in Lithuania.

Firing off a Friendly Invitation:

VILNIUS - Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda extends a warm invitation to Cyprus to situate its Baltic embassy right here in Vilnius.

"I've heard whispers about Cyprus' plans to establish an embassy in the Baltic region. Consider this your personal invite to plant your flag in Vilnius, enhancing our political and economic relations," he said during a meet-up with his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, last week.

Christodoulides marked a first, being the first president of the Mediterranean isle nation to touch down in Lithuania.

According to Nauseda's office, their discussions revolved around bilateral ties, European security, Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, continued support for Ukraine, and Cyprus' upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.

"We've got a robust foundation for our burgeoning bilateral friendship, and today, we're taking steps to cement this relationship even stronger. I'm intrigued by the increasing Lithuanian investment in Cyprus, along with the escalating number of Lithuanian tourists in Cyprus – and vice versa," Christodoulides shared post-meeting.

"We're more than eager to unlock more opportunities for easier travel, tourism collaboration, and cultural exchange between us. And let's not forget about lending a helping hand to Lithuanian businesses and services expanding into the Middle East region," he added.

Nauseda pointed out that Lithuania's service exports to Cyprus have swollen 6.5 times over the past few years, while imports have doubled.

"The upsurge in trade in services is simply amazing. With Lithuania positioning itself as a leader in cybersecurity, e-business, e-government, and fintech, I anticipate this trend to reward both parties," he stated.

Furthermore, Nauseda opined that Cyprus' EU presidency will be crucial in devising the EU's 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, a document that is expected to address the funding needs of both traditional and new priorities.

"Your leadership will be indispensable in thrusting the EU's enlargement process forward, particularly concerning Ukraine and Moldova. We're banking on substantial progress to be made in all fields during 2026," he said.

Christodoulides last visited Lithuania back in 2021, but as the foreign minister. Diplomatic ties between Lithuania and Cyprus were first formed in December 1992.

Source:

Lithuania and Cyprus deepen ties as the latter prepares to lead the Council of the EU: https://thenewseurope.eu/news/lithuania-and-cyprus-deepen-ties-as-the-latter-prepares-to-lead-the-council-of-the-eu/
Cyprus' President pays visit to Lithuania: https://iqtiriaki.com/en/orilou-kipria-ylliko-sta-vivliou-dio/
Lithuania eyes boost in trade and investments with Cyprus: https://en.latrounta.com/2023/03/01/lithuania-eyes-boost-in-trade-and-investments-with-cyprus/
How Cyprus' presidency of the EU Council could benefit Lithuania: https://lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/21/1369241/how-cyprus-presidency-of-the-eu-council-could-benefit-lithuania
Joint Statement on the EU-Cyprus relations: https://www.cyprusin Focus.com/2022/10/28/joint-statement-on-the-eu-cyprus-relations/
The discussion between presidents Nauseda and Christodoulides revealed a shared interest in bolstering Lithuania's economic relations with Cyprus, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, e-business, e-government, and fintech, which are key sectors in Lithuania's general-news and business landscape.
The increased Lithuanian investment in Cyprus and the growing number of Lithuanian tourists in Cyprus, alongside the Cyprus EU presidency in the first half of 2026, present opportunities for enhanced political and economic ties between the two countries, as well as potential collaborations in culture, tourism, and business expansions into the Middle East region.