President Lai confers medal on former Lithuanian foreign minister

Taipei, Jan. 14 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday conferred a presidential medal on former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of relations between Taiwan and Lithuania.

Landsbergis, who is currently on his first visit to Taiwan, was presented with the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon by Lai at the Presidential Office in Taipei.

"We recognize his [Landsbergis] outstanding contributions during his time as foreign minister of Lithuania. On behalf of the people of Taiwan I thank him for the key role he has played in deepening Taiwan-Lithuania relations," Lai said at the conferring ceremony.

The president said that looking back at the COVID-19 pandemic, under the efforts of Landsbergis, Lithuania was the first European country to donate vaccines to Taiwan.

At the time, Landsbergis remarked: "Freedom loving people should look out for each other." This statement left a deep impression on many Taiwanese people and moved them greatly, Lai said, adding that this kindness will never be forgotten.

With Landsbergis' staunch support, Taiwan and Lithuania each established representative offices, Lai said.

"Moreover, our representative office in Lithuania was the first in Europe to use the word 'Taiwanese' in its name," he said, indicating that bilateral cooperation has produced fruitful results in such fields as semiconductors, laser technology, finance and medicine.

During the event, Landsbergis said he was deeply humbled by the award, noting that a lot of people who worked with him at the time saw the benefit of supporting democracy in Taiwan and its people.

Lithuanians cherish freedom, democracy, liberty and sovereignty, he said, believing that they are the "main connectors" between Lithuania and Taiwan.

Landsbergis further said that he looks forward to seeing friendship and collaboration between the two countries flourish, and other countries join them to support democracy and freedom.

Landsbergis arrived Sunday on his first visit to Taiwan and will stay until Thursday.