The goals of the forum are to develop Lithuanian-Taiwanese cultural, scientific, economic, political, and human relations, to deepen and activate Lithuanian-Taiwanese cooperation, to disseminate information about Taiwan in Lithuania, and to support Taiwan's aspirations related to democracy, human rights, and self-determination.
The establishment of the Forum is the result of consistent work and a growing public awareness of Taiwan over the past few years. An open letter to the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda published in April 2020, revealing the broad and sincere support of Lithuanian society for Taiwan and bringing together over 200 prominent figures in society - intellectuals, artists, politicians, publicists, representatives of science and business - gave the impetus for the Association to come together.
"I am glad that the relations between Lithuania and Taiwan are intensifying. The professionals and intellectuals from different fields, gathered in the Forum, will definitely help to strengthen the friendship between our freedom-loving nations," said Gintaras Steponavičius, Member of the Seimas and Chairman of the Parliamentary Group for Relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
"A similar geopolitical situation, where security is threatened by a large aggressive neighbour, the struggle for freedom and democracy, respect for human rights and personal dignity unites our nations, even though they are so far apart," said Member of the Seimas dr. Mantas Adomėnas, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Relations Group with Taiwan.
The head of the Taiwanese mission in the Baltic States, Ambassador Andy Chin, also participated in the establishment of the Forum. The Ambassador thanked for the support of the Taiwanese aspirations and was pleased with the strengthening relations between Lithuania and Taiwan. Also, for the first time in Vilnius, on October 8, supporters of Taiwan celebrated the 108th anniversary of Taiwan National Day.
During the commemoration, the Ambassador was thanked for Taiwan's assistance in donating 100,000 medical masks to Lithuania, when they were most needed at the beginning of the pandemic. This commemoration, together with the establishment of the Lithuania-Taiwan Forum, sends a strong signal about our commitment to the values of a democratic and free society.
