Today marks the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between Turkey and Lithuania. This historic Treaty which laid the foundations for the existing strong bonds between our nations is also the main legal document of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.

The “Treaty of Friendship” was signed on 17 September 1930 between Turkey’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Moscow, Hüseyin Ragıp (Baydur) and Lithuania’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in Moscow, Jurgis Baltrušaitis. The Treaty was ratified by President of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and President of Lithuania Antanas Smetona the following year.

Turkey and Lithuania have since enjoyed excellent bilateral relations based on mutual respect to each other’s’ sovereignty and independence. Turkey did not recognize the occupation and annexation of independent Lithuania in 1940 by the Soviet Union.

Since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship 90 years ago, the two countries built a strong relationship expressed through bilateral agreements in various fields ranging from education to trade. Turkey supported Lithuania’s NATO membership and Lithuania supports Turkey’s accession process to the EU, and the two countries have a fruitful cooperation in other international organizations.

As we realize this significant point in our relations and celebrate this 90th anniversary, we are firmly determined to continue to strive for closer cooperation and coordination in every possible area of common interest to the benefit of our countries and peoples.