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On 9 September in Kaunas, during an international scientific conference dedicated to the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Žalgiris, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis noted the symbolism of the fact that both 600 and 20 years ago Lithuanians were aspiring to freedom together with the Polish people. “I could give here a long list of historical facts, battles and treaties that link the two nations. We can be glad that Lithuania and Poland have enjoyed a close partnership for 600 years already. Lithuanians and Poles have to responsibly pay regard to our common historical and cultural heritage that is unique both in Europe and throughout the world,” Minister A.Ažubalis said.

According to the Minister, King of Poland Jogaila and Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas were great diplomats, who had left indelible imprint not only on the history of Lithuania and Poland, but also on the history of entire Europe.

“I am certain that the discussions during this conference will allow you to take a fresh look at the European history that was created by these two persons, who were also cousins, and at their contribution to the development of the states of Lithuania and Poland,” head of Lithuania’s diplomacy said.

The Minister said that the Battle of Žalgiris was most often perceived as a military victory, although it was won not just on the field of Grunwald. The allies – the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland - laid the foundations for this victory in 1409-1410, when with the help of the most famous scholars and publicists of the time they defended their position on the international arena through diplomatic channels. According to the Minister, this struggle demonstrates Lithuania’s high-level diplomacy of the time.

Minister A.Ažubalis also said that the Battle of Žalgiris left its distinctive mark on further development of Central and Eastern Europe and Lithuania’s history. The Battle is also the best example of the might of solidarity between the nations.

Representatives from Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas and the Jagiellonian University of Krakow, also Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian historians are taking part in the two-day international scientific conference in Kaunas.

Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Ažubalis and Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski are patrons of the conference.