Darius Degutis: Lithuanian Ambassador in Australia

Senior Government Executive with experience in a variety of major foreign and security policy issues, including ambassadorial postings in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, South Africa, Poland as well as senior diplomatic postings in the Embassies in U.S.A., Denmark and numerous assignments in Lithuanian diplomatic service.

• As the first Lithuanian Ambassador in Australia should accomplish number of objectives: to develop wide relationship with Australia, including political and economic targets as well as maintaining strong connections with Australian Lithuanian community.

• Ambassador at Large, in the role of Special Envoy of Foreign Minister for energy security matters, direct day-to-day operations of matters related to key national and regional energy security issues, including supervision of staff, liaison with leading Parliamentary and Governmental officials, Members of the Ministers’ Cabinet. Developed and implemented strategic plans for energy security activities, including laws, policy recommendations to the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and chairs of Parliamentary Committees.

• Planned and executed foreign policy objectives for Lithuania particularly in the fields of Middle East affairs, developing and implementing strategic partnership with Israel and World Jewish Organizations.

• Was Lithuanian Ambassador in Israel, South Africa (non-resident), Poland and a Deputy Chief of Mission in the United States and Counsellor in Denmark.

• Took part in developing and implementing strategic and operational plans for Lithuania‘s accession to NATO and European Union. Directly engaged senior domestic and foreign government officials, press, non-governmental organizations and Members of Parliaments to address high priority national and international issues, including organizing NATO Foreign Ministers Summit in Vilnius and in dealing with energy security issues.