On 14 May 2025, Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania (MFA) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the active dialogue between the university’s academic community and the Ministry, as well as leveraging academic expertise in the implementation of Lithuania’s foreign and diaspora policy.

Under the agreement, the university will involve representatives from the Ministry and the Lithuanian diaspora in academic life by inviting them to deliver lectures, participate in discussions and scientific conferences, contribute to the development of new study programmes, and offer KSU students internship opportunities at the MFA and in Lithuanian diplomatic missions abroad. The agreement also encourages academic research related to Lithuania’s foreign and diaspora policy.

KSU plans to promote student volunteering at Ministry events and to support students in preparing final theses on topics relevant to Lithuania’s foreign and diaspora policy. There will also be efforts to engage members of the Lithuanian diaspora in academic and research activities in Lithuania.

“This agreement opens up significant opportunities for our students, lecturers, and researchers to contribute to enhancing Lithuania’s global presence. We are ready to serve as a reliable partner in knowledge, offering our intellectual potential. We are pleased that MFA and diaspora professionals will support the development of our students by mentoring their academic work and providing professional internship opportunities,” said KSU Dr Gitana Neverienė.

The MFA plans to propose master’s thesis topics for KSU students, encourage its staff—where possible—to collaborate with students and researchers, and provide information relevant to ongoing academic projects. The Ministry also intends to invite university researchers to take part in competitive research calls and provide expert consultations. Through diplomatic channels, efforts will be made to inform young Lithuanians abroad about study opportunities in Lithuania and involve them in joint initiatives with the country’s academic community.

According to MFA Chancellor Aistė Stakėnienė, engagement with the academic community plays a crucial role in advancing Lithuania’s foreign policy priorities. “By establishing this new partnership, we are uniting diplomatic experience with academic potential, laying a strong foundation for innovative projects, and contributing to the education of the next generation,” she said.

The agreement, valid for a three-year period, marks an important step towards building a sustainable partnership between academia and public institutions.

Photos taken by Jurijus Azanovas (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).