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International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Thursday, 28.03.2024, 20:53

Grybauskaite: 25 years ago, Iceland was the first to recognize the re-independent state of Lithuania

Petras Vaida, BC, Vilnius, 10.03.2015.Print version
President Dalia Grybauskaite met with President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson of Iceland who had arrived in Lithuania for an official visit. The Presidents discussed bilateral economic and cultural relations, cooperation within the framework of NATO, and the strengthening of ties between Nordic and Baltic countries, reports BC presidential press service.

Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Dalia Grybauskaite. Vilnius, 10.03.2015. Photo: lrp.lt

“This year we are commemorating the anniversary of the Lithuanian state together with the President of Iceland. Twenty five years ago, Iceland was the first to break silence and recognize the re-independent state of Lithuania. It was an example of courage, respect for freedom and solidarity of a small nation,” the President said.

 

During their meeting, the Presidents exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and regional security issues. The Lithuanian head of state underlined that Iceland’s strong support to Lithuania’s aspiration for freedom and democracy 25 years ago set an example, which today commits us to help Ukrainian people build their own transparent European state. Even small nations can help Ukraine, she noted. It is important to clearly speak out against Russian aggression, which poses a threat to the security of the whole Europe.

 

According to President Grybauskaite, Iceland is Lithuania’s close partner in NATO. Both countries equally perceive threats to regional security and speak up for rapid implementation of the Wales decisions. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the Alliance’s readiness to respond swiftly to emerging threats, forming a spearhead force and conducting regular collective defense exercises in the region. The President stressed that Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8) in ensuring regional security was Lithuania’s and Iceland’s common priority.

 

Among the other issues discussed at the meeting was Lithuania-Iceland relationship. Dalia Grybauskaite underscored the importance of developing bilateral trade relations and working together to promote innovative business culture. In 2014, Lithuanian exports to Iceland grew by more than 17 percent. They mainly include plastic products, furniture, and timber. Iceland invests in Lithuania’s textile, building industry, telecom and IT sector, wholesale and retail trade, thus adding new jobs and contributing to our economic growth.

 

Cultural ties between Lithuania and Iceland are intensifying. Exhibitions and performances of Lithuanian artists are held in Iceland. Icelandic musicians are popular in our country. On March 11, the Presidential Palace will host a premiere screening of the film “Those who dare” about Lithuania’s path towards independence. The scriptwriter of the film is Icelandic movie director Kolfinna Baldvinsdóttir.

 

The Presidents exchanged official presents. Dalia Grybauskaite presented to Iceland’s head of state the works by Lithuanian artists: metal sculpture of Vytis and fine-china cups. The President of Iceland presented a modern glass whale-like sculpture “The Elephant of the North”.


Tomorrow, March 11, the Presidents of Lithuania and Iceland will attend a solemn parliamentary sitting to mark the 25th anniversary of the reestablishment of Lithuania’s independence. The Presidents will also take part in the ceremony of raising the national flags of the three Baltic States in the Independence Square.

 

During his visit to Lithuania, the President of Iceland is accompanied by his spouse Dorrit Moussaieff, Iceland’s Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, and Lithuania’s good friend and strong supporter of independence Jón Baldvin Hannibalsson.

 

This is the second visit of the President of Iceland to Lithuania.

 






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