Lithuania considers closing embassy in Argentina and opening consulate general in Brazil

The proposal to close the embassy and establish a new consulate was proposed by the Foreign Ministry, noting minimum diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Argentina and the negative effects of the political and economic situation in the country upon the embassy's operations in Buenos Aires. The ministry said closure of the embassy to Argentina and opening of the consulate general in Brazil would put the diplomatic representation in line with economic and political realities.

The Foreign Ministry has said that Lithuania's mission to Buenos Aires, which is also accredited to Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, is the only mission in Latin America, and it is not based in the most influential country in Latin American region, as Argentina is listed fourth in the region after Brazil, Mexico and Columbia in terms of influence and significance.

"Lithuania is not properly represented in the most influential country in the region, Brazil, which is the strongest and boasts fastest growth indicators in Latin America. (...) Sao Paulo is the economic and financial center of Brazil with a concentrated Lithuanian community. Establishment of a Lithuanian consulate general in Sao Paulo would at least partly fill the gap of Lithuania's diplomatic representation in Brazil," the ministry said.

Meanwhile, bilateral relations between Lithuania and Argentina are minimal, and "Lithuania's attempts to develop bilateral relations have met no response from the Argentinian side," the Foreign Ministry said in a document.

According to data available to the ministry, about 250,000 people of Lithuanian origin reside in Brazil, as compared to 200,000 in Argentina.

Nevertheless, the Finance Ministry said it could not support the Foreign Ministry's proposed governmental resolution on the Sao Paulo consulate project, which would require additional funding from the state budget.