Press release, 28 May 2016
Photo of the Office of the Seimas
During her working visit to Ukraine, Loreta Graužinienė, Speaker of the Seimas, officially opened the Days of Lithuania in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. While welcoming the participants of the celebration, she highlighted her belief that “the first encounter with Lithuania will open up new horizons for Ukrainians and encourage them to take a closer interest in this country bordering the Baltic Sea, the country famous for its majestic history, unique language, extraordinary beauty of nature, delicious cuisine, and creative and friendly people.”
In Mrs Graužinienė’s view, Lithuania and Ukraine are bound together by not only friendship but also common historical links and values.
“I congratulate the Ukrainian people who have chosen the European path of development. I strongly believe that this is the right choice and that, in the future, you will join the European family alongside Lithuania and other European countries,” she said.
Photo of the Office of the Seimas
The Speaker of the Seimas noted that Lithuania was making active efforts to formalise the visa-free regime between the EU and Ukraine with a view to reducing barriers to human communication. Mrs Graužinienė expressed her hope that Ukraine would make use of Lithuania’s experience and of all the opportunities offered by the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine.
In her opinion, people are as rich as much as they are open. “We have come to you with open hearts, and today I wish you the best possible impressions when discovering Lithuania! I believe that the Days of Lithuania will inspire you to visit Lithuania,” concluded Mrs Graužinienė urging all Lithuanians present at the celebration to “be true ambassadors of their country”.
Neringa Mikėnaitė, Adviser to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6344, mob. +370 698 42 759, e-mail: [email protected]
