“I was deeply shocked to hear about the explosion at an under-construction power plant in Connecticut on February 7 which killed many people and injured many more. I extend my personal condolences to you, Mr. President, and to those who lost their family members and friends,” President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė writes in the letter of condolences to U.S. President Barack Obama.
President Dalia Grybauskaitė presented letters of credence to Petras Šimeliūnas, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lithuania to the Republic of India. According to Dalia Grybauskaitė, the appointment of Lithuania’s first ambassador to India will promote closer cooperation between the two countries. She underlined that it was important for Lithuania to develop more intense economic diplomacy with India. The President wished Mr. Šimeliūnas every success in discharging the duties of his diplomatic mission.
“Lithuania is rich in internationally renowned artists. By presenting the path of our artistic pilgrims to the world – which would include exhibitions covering the works by such famous Lithuanian artists as Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Vytautas Kasiulis, Kazimieras Žuromskis, Kazys Varnelis and Antanas Montis – Lithuania would become even more attractive to tourists. This idea could be driven forward by the ministries that promote incoming tourism, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Economy,” President Dalia Grybauskaitė said when she visited the Vytautas Kasiulis International Exhibition “Gardens of Paradise”.
January 13 will always live in our hearts as a day of defending freedom and manifesting national unity. A day when we stood together – oblivious of social, ethnic or religious differences – to protect our homeland and liberty.
As we celebrate the New Year with joy and excitement, I wish to extend my greetings to you all. This past year was difficult, but we came through with more life experience and wisdom. We can now look at ourselves and our pursuits more honestly. We can reflect on what each of us has done to build an open, tolerant and fair Lithuania.
On this beautiful Christmas Eve, we have joined with those we love to share bread, the warmth of our hearts and all that we have. Together we grow stronger in spirit and faith. We are looking forward to tomorrow with hope and joy.