President Stubb in Lithuania: We share the same values and interests

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb, accompanied by his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb, paid a state visit to the Republic of Lithuania from 14 to 15 May 2026.

The visit began on Thursday 14 May, when President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and his spouse Diana Nausėdienė received the Finnish presidential couple with a ceremonial welcome in Vilnius. Following the welcome ceremony, the two presidents held formal talks at the Presidential Palace. In addition to bilateral relations, they discussed a stronger Europe and continued support for Ukraine.

"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and Finland's NATO membership have brought Finland and Lithuania closer than ever before. The eight Nordic and Baltic countries, the NB8, is our closest family of nations. That is why strong ties are important," President Stubb said after the meeting.

In the afternoon, President Stubb met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas. During the day, President Stubb, together with Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys, laid a wreath at the monument to those who fought for Lithuania's independence.

"We held talks on strengthening relations between Finland and Lithuania. We also discussed the security situation in Europe and support for Ukraine. Finland and Lithuania stand alongside Ukraine," the President Stubb said after the meeting with the Foreign Minister Budrys.

The first day of the visit concluded with an state banquet hosted by President Nausėda and Mrs Nausėdienė.

Border security highlighted on the second day of the state visit

One of the aims of the state visit was to deepen trade relations between Finland and Lithuania. The second day of the state visit began with a Finnish-Lithuanian business forum, where President Stubb and President Nausėda delivered the opening addresses. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio and a delegation representing 27 companies were part of the state visit. In addition to Finnish companies, representatives of Lithuanian business and industry also took part in the forum.

Presidents Stubb and Nausėda then jointly visited the Padvarionys Frontier Station on Lithuania's border with Belarus. According to President Stubb, both Finland and Lithuania have invested in border security and developed their legislation.

"Difficult circumstances require determined action, and we have both taken such steps. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to visit the border guard station," President Stubb said.

The afternoon programme included a visit to a football school that provides opportunities for children from low-income families and immigrant backgrounds to participate in sports activities. A return reception hosted by Finland's Ambassador to Vilnius marked the end of the state visit.

In addition to the joint programme of the presidential couple, Mrs Innes-Stubb also had a separate programme during the state visit. On Thursday 14 May, she and Mrs Nausėdienė first visited the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. This was followed by a visit to the Ukrainian Centre in Vilnius, where they met young Ukrainians and participated in a discussion on the strengthening of resilience among students, communities, and society. In the afternoon, the two First Ladies toured Vilnius University and met with students. On Friday 15 May, the programme included a visit the Faculty of Mechanics at Vilnius Tech University.