Press release, 10 March 2015
Loreta Graužinienė, Speaker of the Seimas, met with Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland.
The Speaker of the Seimas underlined the importance of the visit of the President of Iceland on the eve of 11 March as Lithuania prepares for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the its independence.
“Iceland was the first independent state that dared to recognise the independence of the Republic of Lithuania restored on 11 March 1990. Therefore, it is very symbolic and important for us that you as the present leader of the Republic of Iceland and the then member of the government will join us in celebrating this important occasion,” the Speaker said.
During the meeting, regional cooperation of the Nordic countries was also discussed. “We commend the Nordic–Baltic dialogue. I believe that close cooperation between Lithuania and Iceland both at parliamentary and regional levels will continue to grow,” Mrs Graužinienė said.
The Speaker of the Seimas went on to emphasise the importance of partnership between Lithuania and Iceland in NATO. In her view, both countries are well aware of the emerging security challenges today.
The Speaker of the Seimas will meet the President of Iceland again at the official dinner hosted by the Office of the President on the occasion of his visit.
Secretariat of the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6002
Neringa Mikėnaitė, Adviser to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. + 370 5 239 6344, mob. +370 698 42759
