Ambassador Egidijus Meilūnas has had a distinguished career in diplomacy and public service, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to Lithuania’s foreign relations and international engagement. Born on April 14, 1964, in Vilnius, Lithuania, he has accumulated extensive experience in both diplomacy and governance, shaping Lithuania’s foreign policy across multiple regions.
Meilūnas pursued a multifaceted academic background, earning a Master’s degree from the Faculty of Law at Vilnius University between 1994 and 2001. Prior to that, he obtained a diploma in Paediatrics from the same institution’s Faculty of Medicine in 1989. This interdisciplinary education equipped him with a unique analytical approach, merging legal, policy, and healthcare perspectives, which would later serve him well in his diplomatic career.
His professional trajectory began in the early years of Lithuania’s post-Soviet independence, marking him as an integral figure in the nation’s evolving foreign policy framework. He commenced his diplomatic service in 1992 at the Embassy of Lithuania in Poland, where he held positions ranging from Attaché to Second Secretary and later Counsellor. His expertise in Central European affairs became evident as he was appointed Head of the Central Europe Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1995. By 1998, he had risen to the position of Deputy Adviser on National Security and Foreign Policy to the President of Lithuania, reinforcing his role as a key strategist in shaping the nation’s diplomatic agenda.
His reputation as a skilled diplomat was further solidified when he served as Diplomatic Adviser to the President in 2002, followed by his appointment as Inspector General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003. In 2004, he was entrusted with the role of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Poland, where he played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Meilūnas’ expertise extended beyond Europe, as demonstrated by his tenure as Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2012, followed by an ambassadorial assignment to Japan, where he also served as a non-resident ambassador to Australia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This broad regional portfolio underscored his ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and foster international cooperation. His leadership was further recognized when he was appointed Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs once again from 2020 to 2024, a period during which he played a pivotal role in Lithuania’s foreign policy direction amid evolving global challenges.
In 2024, Meilūnas was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to Canada, a position that underscores his deep expertise in international relations and his ability to represent Lithuania’s interests on the global stage. His extensive diplomatic experience, coupled with his strategic acumen, positions him as a key player in fostering stronger Lithuania-Canada relations in areas such as trade, security cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy.
In recognition of his service to Lithuania, Meilūnas was awarded the Cross of Commander of the Order for Merits to Lithuania in 2003, a testament to his dedication and impact in advancing national interests. Fluent in Lithuanian, English, Polish, and Russian, he possesses the linguistic capabilities essential for effective diplomacy.
Throughout his career, Ambassador Egidijus Meilūnas has demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing Lithuania’s foreign policy objectives while strengthening international partnerships. His tenure in Canada is expected to build upon this legacy, further enhancing bilateral relations and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
