Rokiškis, 19 September 2015
Honourable Speaker of the Saeima,
Dear Members of Parliaments,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors,
Dear people of Rokiškis and guests,
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Photo of the Seimas Office (author Olga Posaškova) |
I am delighted to celebrate the Day of Baltic Unity in Rokiškis which is my home town. I am truly happy to see a comprehensive programme of events marking the Day of Baltic Unity this year.
In 2000, the Lithuanian and Latvian parliaments declared the 22nd of September the Day of Baltic Unity. This event grows more impressive each year, and it symbolically strengthens our relationships that have existed since ancient times.
It is the unity that has helped the nations on the Baltic coast to make it and survive through a thousand-year-long history. Despite state borders, the descendants of the Balts worldwide are still united by their ancestral world view, proto-language, living traditions and customs.
I am proud that Lithuanians and Latvians — industrious, responsible, courageous and ambitious people — are both on a path of democracy. We are visible, audible and respected by the democratic European family and, most importantly, retain our individuality.
The Day of Baltic Unity is not just a holiday. It has a mission important and highly significant to the development of cooperation between Lithuania and Latvia.
In today’s geopolitical situation, we need to be united and work together to address the complex challenges with a view to progress and human well-being.
May I wish you all a beautiful celebration!
