Press Releases

2013-06-18 The President received letters of credence from Tunisian ambassador

President Dalia Grybauskaitė accepted letters of credence from Tunisia's Ambassador Slim Ben Jaafar. The President has pointed out that in view of the incoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union cooperation with Tunisia is mainly expected at EU level. Tunisia is one of North African countries which implemented the most democratic reforms. During Lithuania's presidency it is expected to sign the action plan with Tunisia in the context of a privileged partnership, open negotiations on mobility partnership and seek progress in preparing for negotiations on free trade agreement between the EU and Tunisia.

2013-06-17 Dalia Grybauskaitė congratulated the President of Iceland on national day

President Dalia Grybauskaitė extended congratulations to President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson of the Republic of Iceland on the occasion of Iceland's national holiday - Independence Day. She sent her best wishes for the Icelandic leader's personal success and continued health as well as for the harmony, well-being and prosperity of his country. "The courage demonstrated by the people of Iceland to the entire world more than twenty years ago has linked Lithuania and Iceland with a very special bond.

2013-06-13 Lithuania and Slovakia aim for economically and politically strong Europe

President Dalia Grybauskaitė, currently on a working visit to Slovakia, met with Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič. The meeting focused on priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council, prospects for bilateral cooperation, and energy security issues. "Lithuania and Slovakia are small and very similar countries. It is not so long ago that we fought for freedom, and now we are united by common experience in seeking the well-being of our nations and Europe as a whole. Positions of the two countries on tackling the issues of economic and financial stability fully coincide. We are reliable allies, sharing western democratic values," President Dalia Grybauskaitė said.

2013-06-13 In Bratislava – preparations for the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit

President Dalia Grybauskaitė is attending the Central Europe Summit in Slovakia. At a unique forum of presidents from twenty countries, discussions are held on the future of Europe and the challenges facing European citizens. President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy also participates in the summit. Although the main topic of this summit is the consequences of economic crisis and ways to deal with them, European Union's relations with neighboring countries have turned to be one of the key issues at the meeting. Presidents of Serbia and Kosovo are participating in the summit for the first time.

2013-06-12 Lithuania’s experience for Central European leaders

President Dalia Grybauskaitė is leaving for a working visit to Slovakia. In Bratislava, she will attend the Central Europe Summit where together with presidents of 18 countries and European Council President Herman van Rompuy will hold discussions on economic situation in the region and Europe as well as the European Union's relations with the countries of Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. During her visit, President Dalia Grybauskaitė will hold an official bilateral meeting with President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič to discuss bilateral economic relations, energy issues, and key works during the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council.

2013-06-11 Lithuania of success – we build it ourselves

President Dalia Grybauskaitė delivered her fourth State of the Nation Address at the Seimas. Inviting all to an open conversation about the place of Lithuania in the world and about the situation in Lithuania, the President underscored the contribution of the people to transforming Lithuania and initiating changes, and drew attention to new threats to national development. "After many challenges, we are once again on the path of success. This year the name of Lithuania resonated among the best European economists, investors, athletes, innovators, and many others. Europe and the world have recognized the efforts of our people. Lithuania - small as it is - is emerging as a country of great ability," the President said.

2013-06-06 Lithuania is taking over Presidency of EU Council from Ireland

President Dalia Grybauskaitė met with the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, Enda Kenny. This meeting marks the final phase of Lithuania's preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The President and the Irish Prime Minister discussed the goals achieved during the Irish Presidency and works left, as well as priorities of Lithuania which will soon take over the helm of the EU Council from Ireland. "Soon we will take over from Ireland the presidency of the EU Council. Our presidency will ensure the continuity of works as the priorities of Ireland and Lithuania are similar -EU's financial stability, economic growth and job creation, and openness to foreign partners. This is Ireland's seventh presidency of the EU Council, therefore we highly appreciate the support of the country with vast experience," the President said.

2013-06-06 The President met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe

President Dalia Grybauskaitė met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland. The visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of Lithuania's accession to the Council of Europe. According to the President, when Lithuania regained independence the Council of Europe was an important pillar for our country in building democracy, strengthening human rights and the rule of law. On 1 July, Lithuania will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and will have to attach considerable importance to European Union's cooperation with the Council of Europe. As the President noted, the advancement of Eastern Partnership-EU contacts is a priority of our presidency, therefore Lithuania will actively collaborate with the Council of Europe to promote democratic reforms and dissemination of democratic values in the Eastern Partnership countries.

2013-06-05 Baltic States are improving collective defence skills

President Dalia Grybauskaitė watched the international military exercise "Saber Strike 2013" at the Pabradė Training Area. This is one of the largest international exercises jointly organized by the U.S. land forces in Europe and the Baltic States. Military exercise is conducted simultaneously in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The three Baltic countries with the assistance of the allies are improving collective defence, strategy planning and coordination skills. More than 1,000 military personnel participate in the training event "Saber Strike 2013" in Lithuania.

2013-06-05 Prime Minister of Ireland to visit Lithuania

President Dalia Grybauskaitė will hold a meeting with the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, Enda Kenny, tomorrow, June 6 at 13.00 hours. The President and the Prime Minister of Ireland, which currently presides over the Council of the European Union, will discuss the works accomplished during the Irish presidency and the priorities of Lithuania's upcoming presidency. The topics of the meeting will include bilateral relations between Lithuania and Ireland and cooperation in international organizations.