Lithuanian Cabinet Approves Ambassador to Egypt

The Lithuanian Cabinet has endorsed a proposal to appoint V. Lastauskas as the country's new ambassador to Egypt. The diplomat stated during a government session that his primary goals in the new role would be to bolster political dialogue with the region and focus on economic, consular, cultural, and academic cooperation.

"I believe I am ready to work in the mentioned countries and international organizations. I probably won't say anything new; my goals are political dialogue with the region, with all countries, the economy, the community, consular matters, culture, and possible academic cooperation," V. Lastauskas told the government meeting. He added that while he listed areas, reality often dictates priorities, and practical experience shows that unexpected events can take precedence over initial plans.

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I believe I am ready to work in the mentioned countries and international organizations. Probably nothing new I will say, my goals are political dialogue with the region, with all countries, the economy, the community, consular matters, culture, and possible academic cooperation.

The decision, made during Wednesday's session, is to submit the proposal to President Gitanas Nausėda for the appointment, effective July 13. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (URM), this matter was previously discussed in a closed session of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this year.

Currently, the Lithuanian Embassy in Egypt is headed by Artūras Gailiūnas, who has held the position since August 2021. V. Lastauskas, who will now lead the embassy, has previously served as Lithuania's ambassador to Latvia and Azerbaijan and held the position of Chancellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In Lithuania, state diplomatic representatives are appointed and dismissed by the president upon the recommendation of the foreign minister, with the approval of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee and the government.

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Naming them does not mean which (area) is the priority. Reality often dictates; I know from practice, it's not what you plan to do first, but what happens.