The Philippines and Lithuania agreed on Tuesday to collaborate on areas of technology, cybersecurity, education, and people-to-people exchanges to address various challenges.
During the presentation of credentials of Lithuanian Non-Resident Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Ricardas Slepavicius to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang, the Lithuanian envoy said that the two countries can share experiences in addressing mutual concerns despite the distance.
“We cannot neglect distance… But I believe we have some technological solutions which could be interesting for [the] Philippines. For example for cybersecurities, on the economy, green energy, on biotech, we could share our experiences and help companies or Philippines [do] business there,” Slepavicius said.
“I would believe that would be a basis for our future economic cooperation, create … classical one but we are thinking about corporation or partnership which could bring us together. And definitely, we do have some technological solutions, [that] could be interesting,” he said.
And with Lithuania being a pioneer in laser development and production, Slepavicius said the Philippines and his country can work together on laser technology.
Lithuania, he said, captures the 10 percent of global market for scientific lasers, and the two nations’ universities and scientific community could partner for the production and development of good quality lasers.
“[That] could be in a scientific area. Say we have a small nation with specific expertise which we do have, we could really be good partners for your business, your universities, scientific institutions,” Slepavicius told the President.
Agreeing with Slepavicius, President Marcos said, “In terms of the technology, that’s certainly something that we should look into. I’m convinced that the solutions to the challenges that we’re facing would be technological, would come from technology.”
“I mean from the educational (benefit)…of students in the science and technical studies, all the way to actually being able to apply the research that is being developed, not only here in the Philippines, but in other places as well — anything that is applicable, these are the things that’s going to solve the problems that we face now.”
The President said he thinks technology will bring the solution, as he expressed interest in the production of scientific lasers and lasers in general.
The two nations could also improve their relationship through sports, Slepavicius said, who suggested organizing special basketball projects.
“And mentioning basketball… special project to attract to play basketball in the field, to experience sport. Sports is always good,” the Lithuanian envoy remarked. PND
