The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Lithuanian Basketball Federation forged a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, April 24, agreeing “to work together to achieve the various targets and objectives relating to the development of the sport of basketball.”

The MOU was signed by SBP executive director Erika Dy and Lithuanian national player and 1988 Seoul Olympics champion Valdas Chomicius, with Department of Foreign Affairs Sec. Enrique Manalo and Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Lithuania’s Foreign Affairs, serving as witnesses at the Leyte-Samar Room of Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

“The SBP is fortunate to enter into such an agreement with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation as they are currently ranked 10th in men’s basketball,” said Dy. “We can definitely learn a lot from them.”

“Secondly, as you have probably been informed, the head of the Lithuanian men’s national team and Olympic champion Valdas Chomicius will be present in Manila next week, together with the delegation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Landsbergis, and we will be happy to sign a memorandum of understanding on future mutual activities and cooperation.”

A similar MOU was signed on football.

The signed MOU between the two basketball federations was part of a bigger diplomatic talk between the Philippines and Lithuania.

Included in the MOU’s terms and reference is the provision that states both parties will collaborate in the “development of Philippines coach training (5×5 and 3×3), development of national team (training camp and friendly games), development of Philippine youth basketball.