Vilnius, Lithuania – October 19, 2023: President Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) of the Republic of Lithuania had a friendly meeting with Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas (@PMalinauskasMP), who has Lithuanian roots. The meeting, held in Vilnius, aimed to strengthen ties between Lithuania and South Australia, particularly in the areas of cultural cooperation, student and academic exchange, and fostering people-to-people contacts.
Both President Nausėda and Premier Malinauskas acknowledged the significant Lithuanian community residing in South Australia, which holds a historic importance and has contributed to the region’s diverse cultural fabric. They discussed the potential for further collaboration, emphasizing the importance of exchanging cultural experiences, organizing joint events, and supporting artistic endeavors.
President Nausėda highlighted the significance of preserving ties with the Lithuanian diaspora in South Australia, stating, “We value the bond with the Lithuanian community in South Australia, which has played a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage outside of our homeland. Strengthening cultural cooperation and promoting people-to-people contacts will not only deepen our friendship but also boost opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.”
Premier Malinauskas expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and emphasized the potential for academic and student exchanges between Lithuania and South Australia. “As a person of Lithuanian descent, it is an honor to be here and discuss ways to enhance our cultural connections. The vibrant Lithuanian community in South Australia provides a strong foundation for fostering joint initiatives, including educational and research collaboration,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to exploring concrete steps for cultural exchange programs, facilitating academic partnerships between educational institutions, and encouraging tourism and people-to-people contacts between Lithuania and South Australia. (*)