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Rafael José R. de Espona
Honorary Consul of Lithuania
in Spain
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The Republic of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Spain share an ancient common past – their traditional culture unites them as part of Christendom, as catholic and as brother nations. Indeed, these two nations are far away from one another, but one thing bonds them together – spirit.
Today, both countries are full members of NATO and the EU and have developed a strong friendship during the past few years. Currently distances are not a problem – the most important thing is the similar national mentality. Their shared mentality is the reason why Spaniards and Lithuanians can work and learn from one another. They have a European and an Atlantic Western-minded elite.
In order to optimise their efforts and to take their proper position in the world, Lithuania and Spain need define the proper ways and objectives for a successful partnership. They have to find the most efficient ways for mutual development and learn to profit from their strategic geopolitical locations. Sharing of experience and intelligence should be the first stage.
On a strategic level, relations can be tightened through the two countries’ common association regarding foreign policy, economy, security and defence. Lithuanian diplomats have a good knowledge of Eastern Europe and the southern Caucasus – its military and its security experts can help to enlighten us about defence issues in that area. Spain needs such expertise and insight in order to improve its working relationships with Eastern European Countries, Russia and the CIS. On its part, Spain has a wide network all around the world, and can provide its support to Lithuania.
The Lithuanian economy, which has the best European growth ratios and successful industry and business environment, is a very good location for Spanish investment. The most attractive sectors are IT, biotechnologies and electronics, the development of substructures and the building industry. Lithuania is very useful for Spanish enterprises – as a base of operations, business control and trading not only for the Lithuanian market but also the for the adjacent countries.
In order to expand Spanish enterprises into Eastern European markets, Lithuania can be a beachhead. Lithuania can be a logistical centre – it is well positioned for land and sea transport connections, and the enlargement of the Spanish economy has to use the advantages offered by Lithuania’s logistical capabilities. At the same time, Spain is a bridge to South-America and its Spanish-speaking countries where a great number of Lithuanians live.
In the North-West corner of Spain lies the maritime region called Galicia. The naval axis between the Atlantic and the Baltic seas can help us form a regional alliance between Galicia and Klaipëda for shipping, fishing, sea transport and commerce. These regions are two important Lithuanian-Spanish economic links, framed as two seaports on the two sides of the European maritime borders.
This is a good moment to boost Lithuanian-Spanish partnership – following the promotion efforts of President Adamkus, who visited Madrid recently, met H.M. King Juan Carlos and held several meetings working for increased friendship between Lithuania and Spain. The most important thing that is necessary to do on a daily basis in order to maintain a strong relationship, following Adamkus’s example, is to listen and learn from each other, to share knowledge and to organise meetings between public and private representatives, diplomats, politicians, military officers and businesspeople.
Lithuania, 15 years after its own rebirth, enters a new phase, and new bilateral strategic partnerships, not only within its own neighbourhood, can be forged. Spain is a very important partner in these matters, and now is the time to move forward for a better future for our two countries.
