Gitanas Nausėda presented letters of credence to Lithuania’s ambassadors to international organizations in Geneva, to the United Nations, and to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

President Gitanas Nausėda presented letters of credence to Lithuania's extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors: Rytis Paulauskas at the Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva; Julius Pranevičius to the United Nations; and Laimonas Talat-Kelpša to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

During the meetings, the President discussed Lithuania's foreign policy priorities with the newly appointed ambassadors, including strengthening security, mobilizing support for Ukraine, and representing Lithuania's interests in multilateral organizations and in the Netherlands. Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that diplomatic representation will be particularly important as Lithuania prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027.

In Geneva, Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas' priorities will include safeguarding Lithuania's and NATO's security interests, mobilizing the United Nations system to help stop Russian and Belarusian aggression against Ukraine, and strengthening mechanisms for accountability for international crimes. During the meeting, particular attention was also given to Lithuania's strategic goal of full membership in CERN. The discussion also covered the objectives of economic and cultural diplomacy, as well as more active promotion of Lithuania at the World Economic Forum.

Rytis Paulauskas is a long-standing diplomat with more than three decades of experience. He has served as Lithuania's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, chaired the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly and the UNICEF Executive Board, and previously served as ambassador in Geneva and Vienna. He has also led departments at Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for security and communications.

In his meeting with Julius Pranevičius, the newly appointed Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations in New York, President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized the importance of defending the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, strengthening international support for Ukraine, ensuring that the aggressor is held accountable, and actively contributing to shaping the UN agenda. The ambassador's priorities will also include placing the fight against hybrid threats on the UN agenda, expanding global partnerships, and promoting reforms of the United Nations system.

Julius Pranevičius is an experienced diplomat who has served as Lithuania's Ambassador to India, Consul General in New York, and head of the European Union Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as its structures responsible for Lithuania's Presidency of the EU Council.

During his meeting with Laimonas Talat-Kelpša, the Head of State discussed strengthening bilateral relations between Lithuania and the Netherlands, with particular emphasis on security and defense cooperation, expanding economic ties, and attracting investment. The meeting also addressed Lithuania's representation at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Laimonas Talat-Kelpša has previously served as Ambassador to Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and India. He has also served as Chancellor and Director of Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and headed its Foreign Policy Analysis and Planning Department.