Canada–Lithuania relations

Canada-Lithuania relations

Canada	Lithuania

Canada and Lithuania have long-standing foreign relations. Diplomatic relations were first established in 1937. Canada never recognized the annexation of Lithuania into the Soviet Union, and after Lithuania regained its independence in 1991, the two countries re-established diplomatic relations in 1991. Both countries are full members of NATO and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

History

Diplomatic relations between Canada and Lithuania were established in 1937. During World War II, Lithuania was at various times occupied by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Canadian prisoners of war were among Allied POWs held by the Germans in the Stalag Luft VI POW camp in German-occupied Lithuania.^[1] In 1944, Lithuania was forcibly annexed by the Soviet Union and Canada never recognized the annexation of Lithuania into the Soviet Union. In 1990, Lithuania obtained its independence after the Dissolution of the Soviet Union and Canada and Lithuania re-established diplomatic relations on 2 September 1991.^[2] In 2016, both nations marked the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations.^[3]

Bilateral agreements

Both nations have signed bilateral agreements such as an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation (1997); Agreement of Social Security Cooperation (2006) and an Agreement for Youth Mobility (2010).^[3]

Trade

In 2016, trade between Canada and Lithuania totaled US$422.8 million. Canadian exports to Lithuania reached US$51.1 million, and included machinery, motor vehicles and parts, fish and seafood, and electrical machinery and equipment. Lithuanian exports to Canada reached US$371.7 million, and included mineral fuels and oils, furniture and bedding, scientific and technical instruments, and fertilizers.^[3]

Resident diplomatic missions

Embassy of Lithuania in Ottawa

• Canada has an embassy in Vilnius.^[4]
• Lithuania has an embassy in Ottawa.^[5]

See also

• Foreign relations of Canada
• Foreign relations of Lithuania
• Lithuanian Canadians

References

1. Megargee, Geoffrey P.; Overmans, Rüdiger; Vogt, Wolfgang (2022). The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Encyclopedia of Camps and Ghettos 1933–1945. Volume IV. Indiana University Press, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. p. 509. ISBN 978-0-253-06089-1.
2. Political Relations between Lithuania and Canada
3. Canada and Lithuania relations
4. Embassy Office of Canada in Vilnius
5. Embassy of Lithuania in Ottawa