Honorary consuls should play an active role in attracting investment and skilled workers from Asian, Latin American, and African markets, Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas told the country’s diplomats on Wednesday during a meeting focused on state policy priorities.

“Efforts to attract professionals must be proactive and well coordinated. We are seeing that Lithuanian capital is also exploring opportunities in non-traditional and still relatively unknown markets, including Asia, Latin America, and Africa,” the prime minister said.

“However, cultural differences and complex legal regulations often make investors hesitant and risk-averse. In this context, the role of honorary consuls and the broader diplomatic network is crucial,” he was quoted as saying in a statement released by the government press service.

During the meeting, Paluckas outlined Lithuania’s strategic goals and emphasized the vital role of diplomacy in achieving them. He highlighted security and economic diplomacy as interconnected and mutually reinforcing priorities.

“A strong NATO alliance has always been – and will continue to be – a fundamental guarantor of Lithuania’s security, along with strong transatlantic ties with the United States and the smooth deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania by 2027. Our commitment to support Ukraine, and to remind our partners that fatigue or political distractions must not overshadow the need to continue helping this country and its people under attack by Russia, remains unwavering,” Paluckas said.

The meeting also addressed issues raised by ambassadors, including Lithuanian-language education abroad, strengthening ties with the diaspora, attracting and integrating skilled workers and talent, preparations for Lithuania’s upcoming EU Council Presidency in 2027, cooperation with key strategic partners, enhancing security and defense, and other topics.

Source: BNS

(Reproduction of BNS information in mass media and other websites without written consent of BNS is prohibited)