Foreign relations of Lithuania

Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists Lithuania is a European country located on the south-eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It is a member of the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the World Trade Organisation. Currently, Lithuania maintains diplomatic relations with 186 states.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It became a member of the United Nations on 18 September 1991, and is a signatory to a number of its organizations and other international agreements. It is also a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> NATO and its adjunct North Atlantic Coordinating Council, the Council of Europe, and the European Union. Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade Organization on 31 May 2001.

Lithuania's membership in the EU

File:EU flag square.PNG

On 1 May 2004, Lithuania became one of the 27 member states of the European Union. The EU activities affect different spheres of politics, from consumer rights to national defence matters. In the second half of 2013, Lithuania took presidency over the EU Council. Membership in the Union has strengthened the domestic economy, giving it access to the wide pan-European market. Foreign direct investments in Lithuania are growing. The country is poised to become energy-independent. The accession to the Schengen space in 2007 has opened up possibilities for the free movement of both citizens and goods across 25 European states. Lithuania's citizens enjoy equal social guarantees while working, travelling, or studying at the Community's countries. The country now benefits from additional EU fund and programme funding in the field of education and science. As an EU citizen, every citizen of Lithuania has the guarantee of consular assistance of EU representative offices in countries where Lithuania has none.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Lithuania's membership in NATO

File:Flag of NATO.svg

On 29 March 2004, Lithuania became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is a defensive union based on political and military cooperation of sovereign states. Its members are committed to protecting freedom, guarding shared heritage and civilisation under the principles of democracy, individual freedom, and superiority of law. According to Article 5 of the agreement, all NATO states are obliged to defend one another. Lithuania entered into cooperation with NATO in 1991. Five years later, Lithuania launched its mission to the organisation, and in late 2002, Lithuania and six other states was invited to start negotiations over membership in the Alliance. Today Lithuania sees NATO as the key and most effective collective defence system, one that ensures the security of the state and stands to defer potential aggression, and employs every measure available to strengthen trans-Atlantic relations to contribute to the strengthening of the EU-U.S. relations.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Lithuania as a part of the Northern Europe region

Lithuania is also an active member in the cooperation between Northern Europe countries. Lithuania is a member of the interparliamentary Baltic Assembly, the intergovernmental Baltic Council of Ministers and the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

Lithuania also cooperates with Nordic and other two Baltic countries through Nordic-Baltic Eight cooperation format. The similar format, called NB6 unites Nordic and Baltic countries members of EU. The main goal of NB6 cooperation is to discuss and agree on positions before presenting them in the Council of the European Union and the meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers.

The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) was established in 1992 in Copenhagen as an informal regional political forum, which main aim is to promote integration process and to affiliate close contacts between the countries of the region. The members of CBSS are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and European Commission. The observer states are Belarus, France, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine.

The cooperation between the Nordic Council of Ministers and Lithuania is a political cooperation through which experience exchange contributes to realization of joint goals. One of its most important functions is to discover new trends and new possibilities for joint cooperation. The information office aims to represent Nordic concepts and demonstrate Nordic cooperation in Lithuania.

Lithuania, together with other two Baltic countries, is also a member of Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and cooperates in NORDPLUS programme committed to education.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Baltic Development Forum (BDF) is an independent nonprofit organization which unites large companies, cities, business associations and institutions in the Baltic Sea region. In 2010 the 12th Summit of the BDF was held in Vilnius.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Lithuania maintains diplomatic relations with:

File:Diplomatic relations of Lithuania.svg
#	Country	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
1	Template:Flag	24 August 1991
2	Template:Flag	26 August 1991
3	Template:Flag	27 August 1991
4	Template:Flag	28 August 1991
5	Template:Flag	28 August 1991
6	Template:Flag	28 August 1991
7	Template:Flag	29 August 1991
8	Template:Flag	29 August 1991
9	Template:Flag	30 August 1991
10	Template:Flag	2 September 1991
11	Template:Flag	2 September 1991
12	Template:Flag	2 September 1991
13	Template:Flag	3 September 1991
14	Template:Flag	4 September 1991
15	Template:Flag	5 September 1991
16	Template:Flag	5 September 1991
17	Template:Flag	5 September 1991
18	Template:Flag	6 September 1991
19	Template:Flag	9 September 1991
20	Template:Flag	9 September 1991
21	Template:Flag	10 September 1991
22	Template:Flag	13 September 1991
23	Template:Flag	14 September 1991
24	Template:Flag	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
25	Template:Flag	25 September 1991
26	Template:Flag	25 September 1991
–	Template:Flag	30 September 1991
27	Template:Flag	4 October 1991
28	Template:Flag	5 October 1991
29	Template:Flag	5 October 1991
30	Template:Flag	7 October 1991
31	Template:Flag	9 October 1991
32	Template:Flag	10 October 1991
33	Template:Flag	14 October 1991
34	Template:Flag	5 November 1991
35	Template:Flag	5 November 1991
36	Template:Flag	6 November 1991
37	Template:Flag	20 November 1991
38	Template:Flag	21 November 1991
39	Template:Flag	22 November 1991
40	Template:Flag	3 December 1991
41	Template:Flag	5 December 1991
42	Template:Flag	11 December 1991
43	Template:Flag	12 December 1991
44	Template:Flag	15 December 1991
45	Template:Flag	7 January 1992
46	Template:Flag	8 January 1992
47	Template:Flag	10 January 1992
48	Template:Flag	22 January 1992
49	Template:Flag	10 February 1992
50	Template:Flag	18 March 1992
51	Template:Flag	18 March 1992
52	Template:Flag	27 April 1992
53	Template:Flag	27 April 1992
54	Template:Flag	27 April 1992
55	Template:Flag	4 May 1992
56	Template:Flag	7 May 1992
57	Template:Flag	17 May 1992
58	Template:Flag	22 May 1992
59	Template:Flag	28 May 1992
60	Template:Flag	12 June 1992
61	Template:Flag	18 June 1992
62	Template:Flag	30 June 1992
63	Template:Flag	2 July 1992
64	Template:Flag	3 July 1992
65	Template:Flag	8 July 1992
–	Template:Flag	9 July 1992
66	Template:Flag	10 July 1992
67	Template:Flag	21 July 1992
68	Template:Flag	5 August 1992
69	Template:Flag	13 August 1992
70	Template:Flag	22 September 1992
71	Template:Flag	16 October 1992
72	Template:Flag	20 October 1992
73	Template:Flag	6 November 1992
74	Template:Flag	12 November 1992
75	Template:Flag	19 November 1992
76	Template:Flag	25 November 1992
77	Template:Flag	3 December 1992
78	Template:Flag	30 December 1992
79	Template:Flag	3 March 1993
80	Template:Flag	8 March 1993
81	Template:Flag	18 March 1993
82	Template:Flag	9 April 1993
83	Template:Flag	17 May 1993
84	Template:Flag	25 May 1993
85	Template:Flag	1 July 1993
86	Template:Flag	15 July 1993
87	Template:Flag	5 August 1993
88	Template:Flag	10 October 1993
89	Template:Flag	4 November 1993
90	Template:Flag	11 November 1993
91	Template:Flag	14 December 1993
92	Template:Flag	12 January 1994
93	Template:Flag	7 February 1994
94	Template:Flag	3 March 1994
95	Template:Flag	9 March 1994
96	Template:Flag	23 March 1994
97	Template:Flag	30 March 1994
98	Template:Flag	5 April 1994
99	Template:Flag	15 April 1994
100	Template:Flag	31 May 1994
101	Template:Flag	5 July 1994
102	Template:Flag	10 August 1994
103	Template:Flag	1 September 1994
104	Template:Flag	16 September 1994
105	Template:Flag	2 May 1995
106	Template:Flag	3 July 1995
107	Template:Flag	11 July 1995
108	Template:Flag	20 October 1995
109	Template:Flag	20 November 1995
110	Template:Flag	21 November 1995
111	Template:Flag	20 August 1996
112	Template:Flag	13 May 1997
113	Template:Flag	9 June 1997
114	Template:Flag	28 July 1997
115	Template:Flag	21 October 1997
116	Template:Flag	29 August 1998
117	Template:Flag	23 September 1998
118	Template:Flag	19 October 1998
119	Template:Flag	9 June 1999
120	Template:Flag	20 September 1999
121	Template:Flag	15 October 1999
122	Template:Flag	2 December 1999
123	Template:Flag	17 February 2000
124	Template:Flag	20 July 2000
125	Template:Flag	22 December 2000
126	Template:Flag	17 January 2001
127	Template:Flag	27 March 2001
128	Template:Flag	27 April 2001
129	Template:Flag	13 July 2001
130	Template:Flag	4 June 2002
131	Template:Flag	6 March 2003
132	Template:Flag	8 July 2003
133	Template:Flag	17 February 2004
134	Template:Flag	23 September 2004
135	Template:Flag	30 December 2004
136	Template:Flag	26 January 2005
137	Template:Flag	8 February 2005
138	Template:Flag	30 March 2005
139	Template:Flag	31 March 2005
140	Template:Flag	11 August 2005
141	Template:Flag	2 September 2005
142	Template:Flag	31 October 2005
143	Template:Flag	5 December 2005
144	Template:Flag	22 December 2005
145	Template:Flag	19 January 2006
146	Template:Flag	18 July 2006
147	Template:Flag	5 February 2007
148	Template:Flag	11 June 2008
–	Template:Flag	1 September 2008
149	Template:Flag	19 February 2009
150	Template:Flag	16 March 2009
151	Template:Flag	19 March 2009
152	Template:Flag	4 May 2010
153	Template:Flag	12 April 2011
154	Template:Flag	28 June 2011
155	Template:Flag	18 November 2011
156	Template:Flag	25 January 2012
157	Template:Flag	15 March 2012
158	Template:Flag	20 September 2012
159	Template:Flag	26 September 2012
160	Template:Flag	26 September 2012
161	Template:Flag	26 March 2013
162	Template:Flag	27 March 2013
163	Template:Flag	25 September 2013
164	Template:Flag	26 September 2013
165	Template:Flag	26 September 2013
166	Template:Flag	26 September 2013
167	Template:Flag	27 September 2013
168	Template:Flag	7 October 2013
169	Template:Flag	8 October 2013
170	Template:Flag	16 October 2013
171	Template:Flag	4 November 2013
172	Template:Flag	15 January 2014
173	Template:Flag	24 January 2014
174	Template:Flag	15 April 2014
175	Template:Flag	23 April 2014
176	Template:Flag	30 May 2014
177	Template:Flag	22 September 2014
178	Template:Flag	28 September 2015
179	Template:Flag	21 June 2017
180	Template:Flag	19 September 2017
181	Template:Flag	30 September 2017
182	Template:Flag	7 June 2018
183	Template:Flag	25 September 2018
184	Template:Flag	24 September 2019
185	Template:Flag	1 April 2021
186	Template:Flag	21 September 2021
187	Template:Flag	Template:Dts

Multilateral

Organization	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Template:Flag		See 2004 enlargement of the European Union Lithuania joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004.
Template:Flag		Lithuania joined NATO as a full member on 29 March 2004.

Africa

Country	Formal relations (re)established	Notes
Template:Flagu		See Algeria–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu	17 February 2000	See Gambia–Lithuania relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 February 2000.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
Template:Flagu	11 June 2008	See Libya–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu		See Lithuania–South Africa relations
Template:Flagu		See Lithuania–Tunisia relations

America

Country	Formal relations (re)established	Notes
Template:Flagu	23 September 2004	Both countries established diplomatic relations on September 23, 2004.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
Template:Flagu	1991	Argentina is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland. Lithuania is accredited to Argentina from its embassy in Madrid, Spain and maintains honorary consulates in Buenos Aires and in Santa Fe.
Template:Flagu	1991	See Brazil–Lithuania relations Brazil is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark and maintains an honorary consulate in Vilnius. Lithuania maintains a consulate-general in São Paulo.
Template:Flagu	2 September 1991	See Canada–Lithuania relations Canada has an embassy office in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in Ottawa.
Template:Flagu	5 November 1991	See Lithuania–Mexico relations File:Honorary Consulate of Lithuania, Mexico City.jpg Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Mexico City Lithuania and Mexico initially established diplomatic relations on 31 May 1938 and signed a Treaty of Friendship in Washington, D.C., United States. Mexico never recognized the annexation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union and condemned the action. On 5 November 1991, Mexico recognized and re-established diplomatic relations with Lithuania. In 2002, President Valdas Adamkus paid a visit to Mexico and met with Mexican President Vicente Fox. In 2008, President Adamkus returned to Mexico for a visit and met with Mexican President Felipe Calderón.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.<ref name=USA>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Mexico is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden and maintains an honorary consulate in Vilnius.<ref>Embassy of Mexico in Stockholm</ref>
Template:Flagu	9 June 1997	File:Lithuanian Consulate, Lima 05.jpg Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Lima Lithuania maintains honorary consulates in Lima.<ref>MFA Lithuania: Peru</ref> Peru is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.<ref>Embajador peruano presentó Cartas Credenciales en Lituania y se entrevistó con Viceministro de Relaciones Exteriores de esa nación (in Spanish)</ref>
Template:Flagu	28 July 1992	See Lithuania–United States relations File:President Biden held talks with President Nauseda of Lithuania at the Presidential Palace before the NATO Summit.jpg Joe Biden and Gitanas Nausėda during 2023 Vilnius Summit File:Valdas Adamkus and George W. Bush 1998 (2).jpg Valdas Adamkus and George W. Bush in Vilnius in 2002. Lithuania and the United States first entered into diplomatic relations on 28 July 1992, thanks to enormous efforts from governmental officials of Lithuania and members of the Lithuanian community in the U.S. During the entire period when Lithuania was occupied, the U.S. pursued a policy of non-recognition of the occupation. After independence was restored, on 6 September 1991 the two countries resumed their cross-border relations. U.S. governmental and non-governmental organisations have lent a lot of assistance to strengthen the public and governmental institutions and market economy of the fledgling democracy.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 2 October 1992, the U.S. embassy was launched in Vilnius. On 22 November 2002, U.S. President George W. Bush paid the first official visit to Lithuania. On 8 May 2003, the United States Senate cast a unanimous vote ratifying NATO membership protocols and opening up a door to NATO for Lithuania.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Currently, there are 29 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and the U.S. in various field.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and consulates-general in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.<ref name=USA /> United States has an embassy in Vilnius.<ref>Embassy of the United States in Lithuania</ref>

Asia

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Template:Flagu	21 November 1991	Armenia is represented in Lithuania through its embassy in Warsaw (Poland). Lithuania has an embassy in Yerevan. There are around 2,500 people of Armenian descent living in Lithuania. Lithuania has recognized the Armenian genocide in 2005. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Armenia (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive
Template:Flagu	1995-11-27	Azerbaijan recognized the independence of Lithuania on 10 September 1991. Lithuania recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on 20 December 1991. Azerbaijan has an embassy in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in Baku. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Cooperation with Azerbaijan Template:Webarchive Foreign Minister of Lithuania to pay official visit to Azerbaijan
Template:Flagu	Template:Dts	See China-Lithuania relations The Republic of China established diplomatic relations in 1921. China has a Chargé d'affaires office in Vilnius. Lithuania had an embassy in Beijing. In 1992, the embassy of China was established in Vilnius and in 1995, the embassy of Lithuania was established in Beijing.
Template:Flagu	16 September 1994	See Georgia–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu	1992-04-27	See India–Lithuania relations India has an honorary consulate in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in New Delhi and an Honorary Consulate in Mumbai, India.
Template:Flagu		See Iran–Lithuania relations Iran is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland. Lithuania is accredited to Iran from its embassy in Ankara, Turkey.
Template:Flagu	Template:Dts	See Israel–Lithuania relations Israel recognized Lithuania's independence in 1992. Both countries established diplomatic relation in 1992. Israel is represented in Lithuania through its embassy in Vilnius (previously through its embassy in Riga, Latvia). Lithuania has an embassy in Tel Aviv and 2 honorary consulates (in Herzliya and Ramat Gan).
Template:Flagu	1991 09 06	See Japan–Lithuania relations Relations between Lithuania and Japan started on 22 December 1922, when Lithuania was recognized by Japan de jure.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 1939 the Consulate of Japan, headed by vice-consul Chiune Sugihara, was opened in Kaunas. It was closed in 1940 when Lithuania was annexed by the Soviet Union. On 6 September 1991, Japan recognized the independence of the Republic of Lithuania from the Soviet Union and on 10 October, Diplomatic relations were restored. In 1997, Embassy of Japan was established in Lithuania, in 1998, Embassy of Lithuania was established in Japan. In 2006 May, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Taro Aso visited Lithuania, and Kirkilas, the Prime Minister of Lithuania, visited Japan just three months later. Bilateral relations were strengthen by the official state visit of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in 2007 May.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flagu	1992-06-12	Kazakhstan has an embassy in Vilnius.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania has an embassy in Astana and an honorary consulate in Almaty.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Kazakhstan (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive
Template:Flagu	Template:Dts	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 July 1992.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Template:Flagu	Template:Dts	See Lithuania–Malaysia relations Lithuania has an honorary consulate in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> while Malaysia embassy in Stockholm were also accredited to Lithuania.
Template:Flagu	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| The establishment of diplomatic relations between the South Korea and Lithuania began in October 1991. Bilateral Trade in 2014 Exports US$216,000,000 Imports US$50,000,000 Bilateral Trade in 2014 South Korea's Investment in Lithuania US$3,340,000 Lithuania's Investment in South Korea US$145,000 According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade there are as few as 41 South Koreans living in Lithuania.<ref name="mofa.go.kr"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Cooperation with South Korea Template:Webarchive South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade about relations with Lithuania (in Korean only)
Template:Flagu	1992	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 August 1992.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Template:Flagu		See Lithuania–Turkey relations Lithuania has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Vilnius. Both countries are full members of NATO. Lithuania is an EU member and Turkey is an EU candidate. Lithuania supports Turkey's accession negotiations to the EU, although negotiations have now been suspended.
Template:Flagu		See Lithuania–Vietnam relations

Europe

Country	Formal relations (re)established	Notes
Template:Flagu	28 August 1991	Austria is accredited to Lithuania from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vienna and maintains an honorary consulate in Vilnius.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania has an embassy in Vienna.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries are full members of the European Union. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Austria (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive
Template:Flagu	30 December 1992	See Belarus–Lithuania relations Lithuania entered into an international relationship with Belarus in 1991, when, on 20 December, the Supreme Council of Lithuania recognised the independence of the Republic of Belarus, with Belarus recognising the independence of Lithuania a week later, on 27 December. On 30 December 1992, an agreement to enter into diplomatic relations was made in Minsk.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 1995, the presidents of the two countries, Algirdas Brazauskas and Alexander Lukashenko signed an agreement on Good Neighbourhood and Cooperation. Top-ranking governmental officials have exchanged visits. Since 2007, the heads of the governments of the two states have been meeting on regular basis. Belarus is an important economic partner to Lithuania,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> yet Lithuania supports the stance of the EU and other international organisations on this state. Recently, the nuclear power plant under construction in Astravyets, Belarus, which is considered by Lithuania unsafe, has been escalating tensions. On top of that, Belarus's growing energy, economic, and military dependence on Russia is forcing Lithuania to exercise caution in measuring the political decisions of the country. Currently, there are 27 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and Belarus in different areas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Belarus has an embassy in Vilnius.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania has an embassy in Minsk<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> and a general consulate in Hrodna.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries share 680 km of common border.
Template:Flagu	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>||See Bulgaria–Lithuania relations Bulgaria has an embassy in Vilnius.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania has an embassy in Sofia. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Bulgaria (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs Template:Webarchive Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	18 March 1992	See Croatia–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu	26 September 1991	See Denmark–Lithuania relations After Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, Denmark's government approved of and lent its assistance to the establishment of the Baltic Information Bureau in Copenhagen in the fall of 1990, to become the first Baltic institution of the kind in Western Europe. On 28 February 1991, the Danish and the Lithuanian foreign ministers inked a mutual protocol, undertaking to reconstruct diplomatic relations whenever possible. The Lithuanian–Denmark diplomatic relations were restored on 26 September 1991. On the initiative of Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, then the Danish foreign minister, an active policy on the Baltics was established and followed until our country joined NATO and the EU. Denmark's tremendous assistance to Lithuania was instrumental to the achievement of our NATO and EU ambitions and the huge inflow of Danish investments in Lithuania. Today, the two countries are cooperating very closely in the fields of defence and economy. Denmark has an embassy in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in Copenhagen. Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	16 June 1991	See Estonia–Lithuania relations Estonia has an embassy in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in Tallinn. Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	28 August 1991	Finland recognised Lithuania's independence on 28 August 1991, and the two countries started diplomatic relations the very same day. Finland is a key partner and neighbour to Lithuania, with the countries pursuing active cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, regional, information security, to name a few. Currently, there are 11 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and Finland different fields.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Finland has an embassy in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in Helsinki. Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	29 August 1991	The first contacts between Lithuania and France were established back in the fall of 1918, and the 1919 Versailles peace conference featured a Lithuanian delegation under Oskaras Milašius. France pronounced de jure recognition of Lithuania on 20 December 1922, becoming a key political partner to the state of Lithuania of the period. During the times of Soviet occupation, Lithuania did not have an official mission to France, even though individual persons were allowed to act in an emissary capacity. The diplomatic relations were resumed on 29 August 1991. France has an embassy in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in Paris. Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	27 August 1991	See Germany–Lithuania relations Germany was the first state to de jure recognise Lithuania's statehood on 23 March 1918. Even though Lithuania had been trying to build close ties with this country before the Second World War, on 23 March 1939 Germany made an ultimatum and took over the region of Klaipėda. With the Second World War raging on, in summer 1941, Germany pushed the invading Soviet regime out of Lithuania and occupied the country until early 1945. During the period, in 1942, Germany established a self-government reporting to the German authorities. In the wake of the failed coup and the factual collapse of the Soviet Union in August 1991, on 27 August 1991, the Federal Republic of Germany recognised the independence of the Republic of Lithuania and entered into diplomatic relation s with the country on 28 August. On 28 November 1991, Germany supported Lithuania's membership in the EU and NATO. On the basis of the decisions made at the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw, as of February 2017, Lithuania hosts a NATO enhanced forward presence battlegroup under German command. Currently, there are 21 bilateral agreements regulating the historically finest relationship between Lithuania and Germany.
Template:Flagu	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>||See Greece–Lithuania relations
Template:Flagu	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| The first Pope to de jure recognise Lithuania in 1922 was Pius XI, with Kazys Bizauskas dispatched to represent Lithuania in the Vatican. In 1926, Kaunas ecclesiastical province was established, and a concord with the Holy See was signed in 1927.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> The latter had never recognised Lithuania's incorporation into the Soviet Union. Lithuania had its embassies to the Holy See in Rome. Full-fledged diplomatic relations were resumed on 30 September 1991 with a bilateral declaration signed in Vilnius.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 11 July 1992, Kazys Lozoraitis became Lithuania's first ambassador to the Holy See.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Currently, there are 4 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and the Holy See in different fields.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref>
Template:Flagu	26 August 1991	See Iceland–Lithuania relations Iceland was the first country which recognised Lithuania's Independence from the Soviet Union on 11 January 1991.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flagu		Italy has an embassy in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in Rome. Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	16 July 2008	See Kosovo–Lithuania relations Lithuania recognized Kosovo on 6 May 2008.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Diplomatic relations commenced on 16 July 2008.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flagu	12 February 1921	See Latvia–Lithuania relations File:Lietuvas parlamenta priekšsēdētāja vizīte Latvijā (31088580590).jpg Lithuanian Speaker Viktoras Pranckietis and Latvian Prime Minister Māri Kučinski in 2016. The diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Latvia date back to 1919. On 12 February 1921, Latvia de jure recognised Lithuania. Throughout the entire period of independence of the two states between the two world wars, efforts were being made to strengthen cross-border and international cooperation by establishing new unions and partnerships. This did not produce any significant results. After the two countries restored their statehood, their diplomatic relations were resumed on 5 October 1991, when an agreement on the reconstruction of the state border, promotion and protection of investments, air service, and other matters, was made.<ref>Žigaras F., Baltijos šalių institucinis bendradarbiavimas 1990–2010 m. Vilnius, 2012, 16.</ref> Today, Latvia ranks second on the list of Lithuania's export partners, and fourth in terms of imports.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Currently, the relations between Lithuania and Latvia in different fields are regulated by 23 bilateral agreements.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> and 22 tripartite agreements, which involve Estonia<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flagu	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Malta is represented in Lithuania through a non-resident ambassador based in Valletta (in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and an honorary consulate in Vilnius.<ref>http://www.mfa.gov.mt/images/files/file/B3A_LITHUANIA.pdf Template:Dead link</ref> Lithuania is represented in Malta through its embassy in Rome (Italy) and an honorary consulate in Valletta.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries are full members of the European Union. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Malta (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive
Template:Flagu	8 July 1992	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 July 1992.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Template:Flagu	27 April 1992	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1992.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania has an embassy in The Hague. The Netherlands has an embassy in Vilnius. Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	27 August 1991	Norway recognised Lithuania's independence on 24 August 1991. On 27 August, the countries entered into diplomatic relations. Norway is a key partner in the areas of economy, energy security, and defence. Currently, there are 12 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and Norway in different areas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flagu	26 August 1991	See Lithuania–Poland relations File:Aleksander Kwasniewski i Valdas Adamkus.jpg Aleksander Kwasniewski and Valdas Adamkus Lithuania and Poland have a long history of mutual relations: from a common state to the period when all diplomatic ties were cut. Currently, the Lithuania-Poland relations are excellent. Poland recognised Lithuania's independence on 26 August 1991, and the two countries entered into a diplomatic relationship on 5 August 1991. To promote cross-border relations, an agreement on friendly relations and good neighbourly cooperation between the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Poland<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> was signed on 26 April 1994. The agreement regulates the underlying principles that support the cooperation between the countries, waiving any territorial claims, and defines the rights of ethnic minorities. In February 1995, the first official visit of the Lithuania's president to Warsaw took place. To ensure a more efficient cooperation between the countries and to facilitate the implementation of bilateral projects, in 1997, three joint institutions – the Advisory Committee of the presidents of Lithuania and Poland, the Lithuanian-Polish Interparliamentary Assembly, and the Lithuanian-Polish Council of Intergovernmental cooperation – were founded. Bilateral cooperation became very close and intensive with the election of Valdas Adamkus and Aleksander Kwaśniewski presidents of the two countries. Poland was an important ally to Lithuania in the country's bid to attain EU and NATO membership, both presidents acted as mediators during the Orange Revolution in Ukraine, and the countries still agree on foreign political threats and the importance of energy independence. Later, there has been some tension in the relations due to the controversy over the situation with ethnic minorities and the disputes over the spelling of Polish personal and place names and Polish schools in Lithuania. Difficulties in education are a challenge that the Lithuanian minority in Puńsk and Sejny is facing. With the changes that occurred in the geopolitical situation of the region in 2016 and energy and transportation infrastructural projects underway, the relationship between Lithuania and Poland is recovering, Poland is actively involved in ensuring the security of the Baltic region, its troops are continuously participating in NATO military training exercises in Lithuania.
Template:Flagu		Lithuania is accredited to Portugal from its embassy in London, the United Kingdom. Portugal is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	13 August 1991	See Lithuania–Romania relations Romania recognized Lithuania's independence on 26 August 1991. Diplomatic relations between both countries have been resumed on 13 September 1991. Lithuania has an embassy in Bucharest.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Romania has an embassy in Vilnius.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries are full members of NATO, the European Union, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Romania (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive
Template:Flagu	9 October 1991	See Lithuania–Russia relations On 12 July 1920, Lithuania signed a Peace Treaty with the Soviet Russia, whereby Russia recognises the sovereignty and independence of the State of Lithuania<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> without reservations and with all of the resulting legal implications, and in good faith abandoned all of Russia's national and territorial claims for all times.’<ref>Lietuvos Taikos Sutartis su Rusija, Vyriausybės žinios, 1920-11-30, nr. 53, psl. 1–11.</ref> On 27 July 1991, Lithuania and Russia signed an agreement On the Grounds of Cross-border Relations.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> By this agreement, the countries recognised each other a full-fledged subject of international law and a sovereign state. On 9 October, of the same year, representatives of the two states exchanged notes that signified ultimate recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the state of Lithuania. Russia's troops took a little longer to withdraw from Lithuania. The last of the Russian military deployed in Lithuania left the territory of the country on 31 August 1993.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania supports the stance of the EU and other international organisations towards this state and approves the policy of sanctions. The country does not recognise the annexation of part of Georgian and Ukrainian territories to the Russian Federation. The country also takes active steps to protect its information space. Currently, there are 39 bilateral agreements regulating the relationship between Lithuania and Russia in different fields. Lithuania has an embassy in Moscow.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Russia has an embassy in Vilnius, with a consulate in Klaipėda.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flagu	14 December 2000	Lithuania is represented in Serbia through its embassy in Budapest (Hungary).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Serbia is represented in Lithuania through its embassy in Warsaw (Poland) and the diplomatic office in Belgrade. Lithuania is an EU member and Serbia is an EU candidate. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Serbia (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Lithuania Template:Webarchive
Template:Flagu	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| Lithuania is represented in Slovakia through its embassy in Vienna (Austria). Slovakia is represented in Lithuania through its embassy in Riga (Latvia). Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Slovakia (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive
Template:Flagu	27 August 1991	See Lithuania–Spain relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 August 1991.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lithuania has an embassy in Madrid. Spain has an embassy in Vilnius. Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	28 August 1991	See Lithuania–Sweden relations Sweden resumed diplomatic relations with Lithuania on 28 August 1991.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Lithuania has an embassy in Stockholm. Sweden has an embassy in Vilnius. Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flagu	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>||See Lithuania–Ukraine relations File:Зустріч Президента України з Президентом Литви у Києві 27.jpg Gitanas Nausėda meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Russian invasion of Ukraine Lithuania has an embassy in Kyiv and an honorary consulates in Lviv.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Ukraine has an embassy in Vilnius and 3 honorary consulates (in Klaipėda, Šalčininkai and Visaginas).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. Lithuania fully supports Ukraine's membership in the European Union and NATO. There are around 44,000 ethnic Ukrainians living in Lithuania and around 11,000 ethnic Lithuanians living in Ukraine. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Ukraine (in Lithuanian only) Template:Webarchive
Template:Flagu	4 September 1991	See Lithuania–United Kingdom relations Lithuania established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 4 September 1991. Lithuania maintains an embassy in London.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> The United Kingdom is accredited to Lithuania through its embassy in Vilnius.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries share common membership of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, the Joint Expeditionary Force, NATO, the OECD, the OSCE, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have an Investment Agreement.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Oceania

Country	Formal relations (re)established	Notes
Template:Flagu	1921/1991	See Australia–Lithuania relations Australia is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland and maintains an honorary consulate in Vilnius. Lithuania has an embassy in Canberra.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flagu		See Lithuania–New Zealand relations

Issues

Illicit drug trafficking

Lithuania has been a trans-shipment point for opiates and other illicit drugs from Russia, Southwest Asia, Latin America, and Western Europe to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Anti-terrorism

Lithuania is a signatory to 8 of the 12 International Conventions related to counter- terrorist activities<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Human trafficking

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that about 1,000 citizens of Lithuania fall victim to trafficking annually. Most are women between the ages of 21 and 30 who are sold into prostitution<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

See also

• List of diplomatic missions in Lithuania
• List of diplomatic missions of Lithuania
• List of ambassadors to Lithuania

Further reading

• Tomas Janeliūnas. 2020. Foreign Policy Analysis of a Baltic State: Lithuania and 'Grybauskaitė Doctrine'. Template:Webarchive Routledge.