President William Lai (賴清德) awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to former Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis yesterday, honoring his significant contributions to Taiwan-Lithuania relations and expressing gratitude for his support of Taiwan’s democratic values.
Landsbergis remarked during their meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei that the camaraderie between Taiwan and Lithuania could encourage other countries to champion democracy and freedom against authoritarianism.
Lai noted that Lithuania was the first European country to send vaccines to Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic, an act of generosity that Taiwan will always remember.
In a toast shared between Lai and Landsbergis at the Presidential Office, Lai emphasized the importance of their nations’ partnership, highlighting that the Taiwan Representative Office in Vilnius is the first in Europe to officially use the name “Taiwan.” He mentioned that the two countries have achieved significant advancements in areas such as semiconductors, laser technology, finance, and medicine.
Lai expressed a desire to enhance bilateral exchanges in trade, science, technology, and culture, believing that together they can further contribute to their nations’ progress and global peace and prosperity.
Landsbergis pointed out that the images of Taiwan’s democratic struggle displayed in the Presidential Office resonate with Lithuania’s own historical fight for freedom as part of the former Russian Empire, noting that both nations have experienced similar revolutionary movements in the past.
He reflected on the relatively recent nature of these events, reminding that many Lithuanian leaders are either former freedom fighters or descendants of those who fought for democracy. He recalled the slogan from the 1864 revolution, “For our freedom and yours,” which motivates them to continue advocating for their own freedom while supporting Taiwan in its struggle.
