President Adamkus assured Lithuania’s support to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova on their path of democracy, reforms, and the rule of law
Monday, May 12, Vilnius – President Valdas Adamkus and First Lady Alma Adamkienė of Lithuania hosted an official dinner in the honour of President Yushchenko and First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko of Ukraine on official visit to Lithuania.
Lithuania’s President welcomed the visitors from Kyiv in the Ukrainian language and underlined the close interconnection of histories of the two nations.
“We have been living peacefully together in the common state for several decades. Later we both resisted the Soviet regime with the Singing and the Orange Revolutions going hand in hand on the path of freedom. Lithuanians’ and Ukrainians’ common fight and history has given birth to a deep mutual feeling of fellowship and understanding which is the basis of our close strategic partnership”, President Adamkus said.
The Head of State recalled the three words – freedom, nationhood and statehood, deeply entrenched in the works and lives both of the prominent Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko and of Lithuanian bard Maironis.
“I am confident that the examples of these two outstanding personalities will encourage Lithuanians and Ukrainians to take more interest in each others’ literature, culture, and history. We should cherish this spiritual heritage which makes our people stronger in the face of common challenges. Let us have the courage to speak about our past, to change and to build ambitious plans for the future”, President Adamkus said.
According to the President of Lithuania, it is only through a deep understanding of our roots and through our joint fight for the principles of freedom, justice and democracy that a united, safe and prosperous Europe can be built, with Ukraine and Lithuania being an integral part of it. Lithuania’s President named two directions to go.
“First, we need to help the states which have resolutely decided to go the way of democracy, reforms and the rule of law, to come closer to the European Union and NATO. This is a sustainable and most efficient path to the well-being of the nation”, President Adamkus said, once again reaffirming Lithuania’s support to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova on this path.
The second direction to follow, according to the President, is the support to changes in the states which still fight for freedom and democracy.
“We have to seek efficient resolution of “frozen” conflicts and stronger implementation of projects that will safeguard energy security here and in the whole Europe. We keep actively working on new solutions and projects to enhance energy security. Such projects must be visible not only in the region but also in the whole Europe”, President Adamkus underlined.
Lithuania’s Head of State says he is confident that we are strong enough to go this way and that we will reach our goals sooner if we give a concrete content to Lithuanian-Ukrainian strategic partnership declared today and clearly define our immediate tasks and specific commitments.
Press Service of the President
