It is an honour and a pleasure to be in Vilnius today, in this historic building, as your guest. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the warm welcome you have extended to me and to my delegation.
Our countries share a long history of friendship and cooperation. Going back in time, the Vilnius Bishop Valerijonas Protasevicius favoured the arrival of Spanish Jesuits to Lithuania and the foundation of the Vilnius Jesuit College in 1569. This college would eventually become the University of Vilnius, a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment in the whole Baltic-Nordic region.
As partners and allies in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, we share a common vision for a free and united Europe. Our experience has shown that our cooperation is imperative to promote stability and prosperity in these times of global uncertainty.
Lithuania has just celebrated its 20 years of membership of European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and has since proved to be an influential member and a lead actor to foster initiatives, working to ensure a clear and collective support to Ukraine in its strife for independence and national sovereignty.
Spain reaffirms its determination to stand with Ukraine, providing a constant support for its people and government that extends from diplomatic support to humanitarian, economic and military assistance. We have recently signed a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine worth 1Bn€ for 2024, prioritising Ukraine’s key capacity needs, in addition to the delivery of more military equipment and the continuation of training programmes.
We also reaffirm our commitment to security in the Baltic Region. In Lithuania, the Spanish Air Force has been rotating its fighter jets deployment for the BAP-Baltic Air Policing North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mission since 2006, and in Siauliai since 2016. The current Spanish Mission is composed of 8 F-18’s and 1 A-400M along with more than 180 men and women of our Armed Forces dedicated to the safety and freedom of the Baltic airspace.
In addition, our country has recently declared its interest in becoming strategic partners in the framework of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) —we attended a 3SI Summit here in Vilnius last April.
"...as partners and allies in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, we share a common vision for a free and united Europe. Our experience has shown that our cooperation is imperative to promote stability and prosperity in these times of global uncertainty..."
Mr. President,
Throughout the years, we have improved and widened the scope of our bilateral relationship, and we continue doing so, across various fields, including economy and trade, culture, education, and science.
Spain is fully aware of the strategic and symbolic importance of Rail Baltica project for the Baltic States. The long and proven international experience of Spanish companies in the development of high-speed trains and railways, along the entire value chain, can be of great benefit to Lithuania.
In the field of air transportation, you (your authorities) have included Madrid as one of the priority destinations for direct flights from Vilnius. This will bring about a significant increase of touristic and business travel numbers between our countries. Cultural, academic and economic exchanges will certainly grow accordingly, providing for a more intense and lively relationship between our civil societies.
Spain is also ready and determined to show its expertise and to cooperate in the field of green hydrogen and renewable energy, especially now with the ongoing project of an offshore wind park near Klaipeda.
We are optimistic with the growing interest of Lithuanians in learning Spanish as foreign language at all levels of education. A more extended and deeper knowledge of our language will enable Lithuanians to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Spain and Latin America.
Mr. President,
We are well aware of your personal contribution to the deepening and widening of our bilateral relationship. I am convinced that this visit will foster a deeper cooperation between our respective countries. Rest assured that Spain stands ready to work deeper and further with you −hand in hand, as friends and allies− in these difficult and troubled times for all countries.
May our bonds continue to strengthen, and may our nations continue to thrive in peace and harmony.
With my sincere thanks to the President and Lithuanian authorities, let me propose a toast to the health and prosperity of our peoples, to our common values and shared progress, and to the enduring friendship and cooperation between our countries.
I sveikata! Cheers!