Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2025
166. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of the diplomatic and trading relationship between Ireland and Lithuania; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55186/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLithuania and Ireland enjoy excellent bilateral relations. We have a shared outlook across so many areas of EU policy: on competitiveness, on trade and on solidarity with Ukraine. As we move closer to our Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I look forward to even closer cooperation with Lithuania, including exchanges at all levels of government, as Lithuania forms part of our EU ‘Presidency Trio’ alongside Greece. We were delighted to welcome President Nauseda and the First Lady on an official visit to Ireland in early July.
I regularly engage with my Lithuanian counterpart, Kestutis Budrys, at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. In addition, the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Sigitas Mitkus visited Ireland last May. He met with my colleague, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, T.D. They had an extensive bilateral discussion with a focus on our shared commitment to Ukraine and the importance of the EU working together across all policy areas in support of Ukraine. Ireland and Lithuania have supported, alongside the European Commission, the construction and equipping of underground school shelters in Ukraine. Ministers Byrne and Mitkus also visited Ukraine together in late April.
Our bilateral trade relationship continues to grow. Goods exports to Lithuania for 2024 amounted to €98m and imports were €166m. In services, Ireland exported €468m in 2023 and imported €65m.
Bilateral ties with the entire Nordic Baltic region, including Lithuania, have deepened in recent years. As we move closer to our Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I look forward to even closer cooperation with Lithuania, including further exchanges at all levels of government.
