Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania, Ukraine

"President Dalia Grybauskaite consistently and devotedly defends Ukrainian interests by supporting Ukraine's democratic aspirations at the highest international level. Her voice is heard from the most influential international tribunes, supporting our country's right to be equal among European states," the official letter of the Ukrainian Supreme Academic Council reads.

The Council also said that Grybauskaite actively supports Kiev's European integration aspirations and urges the international community to protect Ukraine's sovereignty. The letter stresses that the Lithuanian leader's personal contribution to preservation of Ukraine's unity and embedding of democratic principles has deserved the highest Ukrainian award.

Lithuania has been among the first member states to ratify the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. It is consistently voicing strong support for the determination of Ukrainian people to build a European state, the presidential press service said.

The Person of the Year title is given to outstanding representatives of politics, culture and arts for their contribution to strengthening the Ukrainian independence, supporting and promoting Ukraine, its people and traditions.

The Higher Academic Council of Ukraine consists of eminent intellectuals, public figures, members of academic community.

Former recipients of this honourable and prestigious award include Pope John Paul II, Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus, European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Javier Solana, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer, US Senator John McCain.

The award ceremony will take place on March 21.