Taoiseach Micheál Martin will host the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, for a working meeting in Farmleigh House this evening, Thursday 10 July.
Discussions are expected to cover bilateral relations and topical EU and international issues, including Ukraine, security and defence, economic and trade developments, and the situation in the Middle East.
The two leaders will also discuss their preparations for upcoming Presidencies of the EU Council. Ireland will take on its eighth EU Presidency on 1 July 2026, then hand over to Lithuania for the first half of 2027.
Speaking ahead of President Nausėda’s visit, the Taoiseach said:
“I look forward to welcoming President Nausėda on his working visit to Dublin.
The bonds of friendship between Ireland and Lithuania are strong, and I remember fondly the historic ‘Day of Welcomes’ during Ireland’s 2004 EU Presidency when Lithuania and nine other member states joined the European Union in its biggest ever enlargement. We also very much appreciate the contribution of the large Lithuanian community that has made its home in Ireland.
Ukraine will be a focus in my discussions with President Nausėda. Russia clearly does not want peace and is escalating its aerial attacks on Kyiv and other cities. We will discuss how we can increase our support for Ukraine, including through the demining efforts and the construction of shelters for schools on which Ireland and Lithuania already cooperate together.
We will also discuss the situation in the Middle East and the appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza. We urgently need a ceasefire, leading to a lasting peace, that can allow the full resumption of unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, in line with humanitarian principles. The EU must act upon the findings of the review of the EU-Israel Association agreement.
We will also take stock of recent economic and trade developments, and continuing efforts to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the United States.”
