Lithuania–Philippines relations

Lithuania-Philippines relations

Lithuania

Philippines

Lithuania–Philippines relations refers to the bilateral relations between Lithuania and the Philippines.

History

The Philippines recognized Lithuania's independence from the Soviet Union on December 15, 1991. On December 15 of the same year formal diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.[1]

In 2023, both countries committed to improve ties.[2][3] Gabrielius Landsbergis made an official visit to the Philippines in April 2024, marking the first time that a Lithuanian foreign minister to do so. Landsbergis expressed support for the Philippines when it regards to the South China Sea dispute issue.[4] On June 30, 2025, a "strategic-level" partnership was established in regards to defense.[5]

Security relations

Lithuania has framed its relationship with the Philippines as small nations having shared experience of pressures from "authoritarian states" like Russia and China.[6][7] Filipino defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro has suggested the possibility of a visiting forces agreement (VFA) involving Lithuania and the Philippines.[5] Lithuania has supported the Philippines when it comes to the South China Sea Arbitration ruling.[5][8]

Cultural relations

Sports

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) signed a memorandum of agreement in 2024 where the latter will assist the former on basketball coaches and national teams training.[9][10]

Immigration

There are 774 Filipinos with residency permits in Lithuania as of January 1, 2025.[11]

References

  1. ^ "The Philippines". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  2. ^ "Lithuania to step up cooperation with Philippines". LRT.lt. Lithuanian National Radio and Television. September 19, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  3. ^ "PH, Lithuania to improve technology, cybersecurity ties". GMA News Online. October 4, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  4. ^ Ombay, Giselle (April 25, 2024). "Lithuania supports PH's move to follow int'l law in South China Sea row". GMA News. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Chi, Cristina (June 30, 2025). "Small nations, shared threats: Philippines, Lithuania ink defense deal". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  6. ^ Sadongdong, Martin (June 30, 2025). "PH elevates defense ties with Lithuania to counter 'common threats'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  7. ^ Gomez, Jim (June 30, 2025). "Lithuania and Philippines sign a pact to build an alliance against aggression". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  8. ^ "Arbitration Support Tracker | Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative". Center for Strategic and International Studies. June 16, 2016. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  9. ^ "Lithuania, Philippines basketball federations enter into Memorandum of Understanding". Basketnews.com. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  10. ^ Velasco, Bill (January 20, 2024). "LTU to aid Gilas' Olympic bid?". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  11. ^ Moaje, Marita (July 2, 2025). "PH, Lithuania boost labor ties to open more opportunities for OFWs". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved July 5, 2025.