Speech by Gitanas NausÄ—da, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Lithuania-Finland Business Forum

Dear Leaders of Business and Science Communities,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor to address you at this important business forum here in Finland - a forum that highlights two essential pillars of our shared security and prosperity: defense and science.

Today, I believe our countries, Lithuania and Finland, are ready to open new chapters in business and science cooperation, while also significantly strengthening the foundations of our common security.

Finland's recent accession to NATO as a full member marked a historic day for the whole Alliance. It reinforced the defense of the Baltic Sea region and the entire eastern flank of NATO.

Finland's long-time resilience preparations and extensive use of high technology for security is well-known both in our region and globally. This is an inspiring example we want to emulate in Lithuania, as well.

Our country approaches security issues with clarity and determination. Starting next year, we will allocate 5 to 6 percent of our GDP to defense. This is a strategic decision, aimed at strengthening our armed forces, ensuring operational readiness, and developing a strong industrial base.

History has taught us that deterrence is only credible when backed by real capabilities: production, logistics, and technological superiority.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

After regaining independence, Lithuania looked to the Finnish economy as a guiding star and role model. We took note of how Finland transformed itself from a resource-based to a successful high-tech economy.

And Lithuania made enormous efforts to catch up. Over the past quarter century, we succeeded in becoming an exemplary EU success story. Lithuania's export-oriented economy is now among the 15 most diversified in the world. With our GDP per capita growing in leaps and bounds and high-value sectors leading the way, we have reached roughly 90 percent of the EU average. Despite geopolitical tensions, our robust 3 percent growth rate remains one of the best in the European Union.

This is the result of precise, well-calculated decisions and hard everyday work. Over the years, we have streamlined regulations, accelerated permitting procedures, reduced administrative barriers, and created a predictable and efficient environment for advanced manufacturing.

I am particularly pleased to note that global defense industry leaders, such as the German giant Rheinmetall and American Northrop Grumman, have chosen Lithuania as their European base for production.

We are also supported by strong scientific achievements that complement our growing defense capabilities.

Lithuania currently supplies more than half of the world's ultrashort pulse scientific laser market, with our lasers installed at CERN, NASA, and other leading laboratories.

Our photonics sector has grown at over 16 percent annually over the past decade - ten times faster than the European average.

In cybersecurity, Lithuania ranks sixth in the Global Cybersecurity Index.

Our ICT[1] sector now contributes over 5 percent of Lithuania's GDP - nearly double its share from a decade ago - and its export volume has increased fivefold in recent years.

Dear Business and Science leaders,

The Finnish concept of action and creativity in hard times, known worldwide as Sisu, has been forged by history and tested in moments of trial.

I sincerely believe that our two nations, Lithuania and Finland, share not only similar historic experiences but also some outstanding traits. Our will to survive, preserve our national identity and prevail against adversity has never been broken - and never will be!

Today, I invite you to explore Lithuania as a strategic and trusted partner. Together, we can help shape the future of Europe's defense.

The advanced Finnish research ecosystem, strong record in defense technology, and institutional expertise open vast opportunities for cooperation. Joint projects in research, testing, and industrial development can accelerate innovation and deliver capabilities more efficiently.

Present here today are representatives of the Lithuanian business and science mission specializing in laser technologies, cybersecurity solutions, advanced manufacturing, and defense systems. And they stand ready to work with Finnish partners.

The cooperation documents to be signed will provide frameworks for expanded cooperation.

I invite all of you to work side by side, turning ideas into capabilities that will serve both our nations and Europe as a whole.

Thank you!

[1] Ai-Sy-Ty, Information and communication technology