Negotiations between Lithuania and Taiwan's representative office on an economic cooperation action plan have been put on hold by mutual agreement, the Lithuanian foreign ministry has said.
The ministry said last week the pause was prompted by "changes in the domestic political environment" – a reference to the formation of a new coalition government in Vilnius.
In April, officials said the action plan would be finalised by the end of May, with a signing ceremony pencilled in for early June. Negotiations are now expected to resume once the incoming government takes office and its programme is formally approved.
The Social Democrats, Democrats 'for Lithuania', and Farmers and Greens Union signed a coalition agreement last Thursday, paving the way for a cabinet to be led by Social Democrat leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius.
The future of Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys remains uncertain; he has faced criticism from within the coalition over his handling of relations with China and a perceived lack of progress in restoring ties with Beijing.
