Speeches

2011-02-23 Welcome Remarks by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Conference

In ancient times, the Vikings would sail their goods up and down the rivers of our country. After the foundation of the Hanseatic League, trade contacts became even more intensive. The intricate pathways of history would either bring us together or separate us, but we were always bound by the Baltic Sea, by common values and shared interests.

2011-02-16 Address by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Flag Raising Ceremony in Daukanto Square

Dear People of Lithuania, Excellency Mr. President of Poland, Dear Participants of the Celebrations!

This morning I laid flowers on the grave of the Patriarch of Lithuania, Doctor Jonas Basanavičius, because February 16 is the date of his death. A few hours later we were shocked to hear about the passing of the National Poet of Lithuania, Justinas Marcinkevičius. It is a great personal loss to each and every of us.

2011-02-10 Toast by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the State Dinner held in honour of H.E. Valdis Zatlers, President of the Republic of Latvia, and Mrs. Lilita Zatlere

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you on this state visit to Lithuania. Since regaining independence more than twenty years ago, Latvia and Lithuania have both come a long way. I am proud and delighted that last year we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of reestablished independence together: you were in Vilnius on March 11 and I had the privilege to extend my greetings to the people of Latvia on May 4.

2011-01-13 Speech by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Day of the Defenders of Freedom

There are days in the life of every nation when the power of will, unity and resilience of its people are tested and when their fate is determined. For us that day was January 13. People from all over Lithuania, each individually and all together, stood up to defend their homeland. We clearly realized then that only freedom could preserve our homeland and independence.

2011-01-12 Remarks by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Ceremony of Awarding Commemorative Medals of January 13

This is the twentieth year that we have been commemorating the Day of the Defenders of Freedom. It was on this day that people from all over Lithuania created a human shield to protect our national parliament – the stronghold of our freedom. They stood in round-the-clock vigil around the parliament building and the TV tower, defending homeland at the cost of their lives. Lithuanian tricolors were flying together with the flags of freedom of Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other nations held high by their representatives.

2010-12-31 New Year Greetings from President Dalia Grybauskaitė

I send my best wishes to you on this New Year’s Eve. As we enter 2011, we are full of hope and there is good reason for it. This past year was filled with serious challenges, but it also gave us wisdom and experience. We became stronger and more mature. The year ahead opens new opportunities to realize our aspirations. So let us come together, let us help each other, and may we succeed in our work and endeavors.

2010-12-24 Christmas Greetings from President Dalia Grybauskaitė

Today, we have joined together at Christmas Eve dinner for an evening of joy and happiness. We are surrounded by the warmth of our family and friends and we remember those who are no longer with us. We share the best that we have and we wish each other love and peace. For many of us, this year has been filled with challenges. But at the same time, it has given us many meaningful moments, unique and invaluable experience.

2010-12-02 Remarks by H.E. President Dalia Grybauskaitė at OSCE Summit in Astana

Our goal in the OSCE is clear: to build a true democratic security community without dividing lines, where all the commitments are implemented, the use of force is unthinkable, and human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected. Progress in the area of conflict resolution, based on the agreed principles we all share, is key for the future of the OSCE. I strongly believe we will use the chance to achieve progress in Moldova and I hope we can achieve progress in Georgia and over Nagorno-Karabakh.

2010-11-11 Address by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of Polish Independence Day

For the second consecutive year, I have the honor to extend on behalf of the people of Lithuania our warmest congratulations to all of you on Independence Day. In 1918, after 123 years of lost independence and territorial divisions, Poland restored its statehood.

2010-10-25 Remarks by President Dalia Grybauskaitė at the Opening Ceremony of the Lithuanian National Day at EXPO 2010

I am happy to extend my congratulations to China for staging this world exhibition for all to see and enjoy. Such spectacular events like the Beijing Olympic Games and the Shanghai EXPO demonstrate China’s global presence and huge potential. This exposition is also an opportunity to distant countries – such as Lithuania and China – to know each other better.