Seimas adopted a Resolution on the 35th Anniversary of Lithuania’s Membership of the United Nations

Press release, 17 September 2026 (News ● Photos ● Broadcasts and videos) 

Today, Lithuania marks the 35th anniversary of joining the United Nations (UN) and returning to the international community of free and sovereign states.

To commemorate this significant date, the Seimas adopted a Resolution stating that a strong, effective and reform-minded United Nations is essential to maintaining a rule-based international order. Therefore, Lithuania supports the efforts to increase the effectiveness, transparency and ability of the UN to fulfil its mandate under the Charter of the United Nations.

‘This was the moment when our state’s independence ceased to be merely the will of the nation and became a reality recognised by the international community. Thus, alongside the historic date of 11 March 1990 when Lithuania restored its independence, 17 September 1991 remains one of the most momentous dates in the history of Lithuanian statehood. The admission to the UN confirmed Lithuania’s return to the world community and opened a completely new chapter in our country’s diplomacy. Lithuania’s membership of the UN was far more than a formal status. I was our country’s first major step into the realm of international law,’ said Remigijus Motuzas, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, when presenting the draft Resolution.

The Resolution condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a gross violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the rules-based international order, and as a threat to international peace and security; and confirms that Lithuania will continue to consistently defend the principles of the UN Charter in support of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while pursuing accountability for the crime of aggression.

By adopting the Resolution, the Seimas emphasises that multilateralism and respect for international law are of particular importance to the security of small and medium-sized states. Therefore, Lithuania will continue to be an active, principled and bridge-building Member State of the UN, to consistently participate in the activities of the UN institutions, to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, to seek a greater role and greater responsibilities within the UN framework, and to strengthen the human, expert and financial capacities necessary for that purpose.

The Resolution of the Seimas on the 35th Anniversary of Lithuania’s Membership of the United Nations (draft No XVP-1851) was approved by 105 votes in favour, with none against and one abstention.

Press Office, Information and Communication Department