Philippine, Lithuanian envoys to talk about trade ties

PHILIPPINE Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis will meet in Manila this week to discuss boosting ties in clean energy, trade and investment, and science and technology, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“The Foreign ministers will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern,” it said in a statement on Tuesday. “The exchange of perspectives and insights underscores the shared commitment of the Philippines and Lithuania to peace, stability and the rules-based international order.”

Mr. Landsbergis’ visit will be the first high-level call by a Lithuanian official to Manila in 30 years. He will be in the country from April 23 to 25.

The two envoys will also tackle cooperation in health and laser technology that could be used in medicine, the DFA said.

In October, Lithuanian nonresident Ambassador to the Philippines Ricardas Slepavicius told Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. that his country was keen on working with Manila on cybersecurity and laser technology.

Lithuania, which he said captures 10% of the global market for scientific lasers, would like to work with Philippine universities and scientists to produce high-quality laser devices.

“In terms of the technology, that’s certainly something that we should look into,” Mr. Marcos told Mr. Slepavicius after the envoy presented his credentials to him in Malacañang, based on a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office.

The Philippines and Lithuania have had diplomatic relations for the past three decades. — John Victor D. Ordoñez