Speech by Mrs Irena Degutienė, Seimas Speaker, on the commemoration of the 20th
anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and
Japan
12 October 2011
Your excellency Madam
Ambassador, Excellencies Ambassadors, distinguished
guests and my parliamentary colleagues, all who have gathered together for the
opening of a truly meaningful exhibition,
This is the celebration of the 20th anniversary
of the resumption of diplomatic relations between our states Japan and
Lithuania and at the same time the presentation of the recent events in
Fukushima and the scale of the tragedy.
On this occasion, I would like, on my own
behalf and on behalf of our delegation, to thank Her Excellency for organising
a very interesting and constructive visit. This opened a new page in our
diplomatic history progressing from cultural and scientific exchanges to
economic relations and business development. Indeed, there is something to
learn from the Japanese nation. First of all, this is placidity and reserve
going alongside with vigour and fantastic diligence. The wish to build the
future for ones own state comes true through genuinely sincere and persistent
work, and this was the example set by the Japanese nation. I believe that the
following decade will turn into the period of development of mutual relations
and business. This is my wish for both Japan and Lithuania.
Additionally, I wish you to further keep your
reserve, show shrewd judgement of any situation, even the most tragic one, and
calmly solve all the problems. The result of your virtues is self-evident. The
Fukushima tragedy seems to be so recent but you are already back
into your normal life, you have coped with your losses and you move forward
with dignity. I wish you to preserve your uniqueness in this world.
