Lithuanian Centre of International Partnerships is a strategic step in Lithuanian development cooperation
Today, the Lithuanian Centre of International Partnerships was officially opened in Vilnius and a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) was signed.
The new centre will bring together the competences of Lithuanian institutions, experts and businesses for international partnerships and support to partner countries. The establishment of the Centre creates preconditions for greater visibility and recognition of Lithuanian development cooperation activities, clearer presentation to partners and donors, and strengthens Lithuania's image as a reliable and long-term international partner.
According to Minister of Finance Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, development cooperation creates not only geopolitical but also economic benefits: “The experience of Lithuanian institutions and experts in public finance, reform and digitalisation is becoming a competitive product on the international market. The new centre will provide more opportunities for Lithuanian companies, experts and institutions to participate in international projects", K. Vaitiekūnas said.
More than two decades ago, Lithuania itself was a beneficiary of European Union support, and the CPMA managed the support provided to Lithuania and accumulated experience in the implementation of international projects. As Lithuania became a member of the European Union, the country’s role also changed, becoming an active participant and donor in development cooperation.
“By helping other countries to strengthen, we are also strengthening ourselves – building a safer neighbourhood, reducing threats and strengthening Lithuania’s role in the international community. Today, international partnerships are not only an expression of solidarity, but also an investment in our own security and the future of Europe," Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys stated.
Today, Lithuania has implemented or is implementing 135 international development cooperation projects in 32 countries worldwide, with a total value of around EUR 601 million. In Ukraine alone, there are currently 23 ongoing projects worth around EUR 327 million. Most of the projects are funded by the European Union's external financing instruments. These include the construction of shelters, the supply of demining equipment, support for public finance reforms and preparations for European integration.
Lithuania specializes in democracy building, digitalisation, economic resilience, education, energy, environment and defence. CPMA projects are implemented not only in Europe and Ukraine, but also in Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa and the Caribbean.
According to Indrė Šuolienė, Director of the CPMA, the establishment of the Lithuanian Centre of International Partnerships marks a new stage in Lithuania's international cooperation. “Lithuanian experts and institutions are today internationally valued and the CPMA is recognised as a reliable partner implementing projects that meet the highest standards. The aim of the Centre is to further focus Lithuania's potential and expand the country's international role", I. Šuolienė said.
The Lithuanian Centre of International Partnerships will act as a structural unit of the CPMA. It will be led by Rasa Suraučienė, who has many years of experience in international cooperation.