Israel could take part in developing Lithuania's defense industry - Nauseda

VILNIUS - With Lithuania planning to allocate 5-6 percent of its GDP to defense by 2030 and aiming to rapidly develop its defense industry, Israel could take part in the process, President Gitanas Nauseda said on Monday.

"Israeli expertise in military technologies can contribute to Lithuania's defense ecosystem development and redetermine new mutually valuable partnerships," Nauseda said at the Lithuania-Israel Economic, Business and Science Forum in Vilnius.

"Our recent agreements with international partners, including the construction of ammunition production facilities in cooperation with Germany and the United States, demonstrate our commitment to building robust defense industrial capabilities that serve both national and allied interests," he said.

According to Nauseda, Israel and Lithuania share a similar approach to innovation, as both countries "prioritize the translation of scientific research into commercial applications, maintain strong academia-industry relationships, and focus on global market access."

"This creates ideal conditions for joint ventures, technology transfer, and collaborative research initiatives," the president said.

"Our representatives are eager to strengthen existing and engage in new partnerships with Israel in the fields of defense and space technologies, biotechnology, green energy, high-tech manufacturing and sustainable food industry," he added.

Nauseda noted that Lithuania's information and communications technology sector is growing by 10 percent a year, while Israel has a highly developed high-tech ecosystem. Lithuania also ranks sixth in the global cybersecurity index, which enables the two countries to cooperate in protecting critical infrastructure.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he believes the potential of both economies is unlimited.

"I would set a goal of doubling the trade between our countries within a certain time period of two or three years," Herzog said at the forum. "I'm sure it's feasible, and that is way above the security agreements and the security collaboration."

"I think in terms of all other economic fields, the sky is really the limit in so many ideas and innovations," he said.

Three business and science memorandums of understanding were signed at the forum. They aim to strengthen partnerships in research, research and development and innovation, and promote cooperation in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.