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On 5 September, an exhibition ‘White Gloves: Official and Unofficial Diplomacy in Kaunas in 1918-1940’ was opened at the historical Office of the President in Kaunas. At the opening of the exhibition, guests were welcomed by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oskaras Jusys. He noted that the first diplomats of independent Lithuania faced serious challenges while securing Lithuania’s interests in the international community in 1918 and seeking for an international recognition of Lithuania de facto and de jure.

‘The first years of their activity were really complicated. Unsettled international situation in the world and in the region, lack of experience and a break with the traditions of diplomacy urged the members of the Lithuanian diplomatic service to learn and make progress quickly. We can only be glad that during just a few decades of its activities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs solved most complicated tasks and functioned in compliance with Western norms and rules,’ said O.Jusys.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also pleased that during the interwar period foreign diplomats also played an important role in public activities by educating our society and culturally enriching free Lithuanian people, broadening their views.

Moreover, O.Jusys mentioned a tragic period for Lithuania in late 1930s and the efforts of diplomats to maintain the Independence.

‘Even during a short period of Independence of Lithuania, which had lasted for two decades, excellent diplomats appeared on the stage of diplomacy. During the years of occupation, these diplomats safeguarded Lithuania’s statehood abroad,’ indicated O.Jusys.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reminded the guests of the upcoming celebration, as in November the Ministry of Foreign Affairs marks the 90th anniversary since its establishment. On this occasion, an exhibition telling the history of the Lithuanian diplomacy will be organised at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November. The exposition will include historical evidence from the origins of the Lithuanian diplomacy up to the modern times.

The exhibition in Kaunas reflects official activities of diplomats: intergovernmental agreements, photos of the ceremonies of presentation of credentials, official meetings and state celebrations. Photos of unofficial meetings of high-ranking officials, cartoons, printings with funny stories, and some recollections about informal events are also on display at the exhibition.

The exhibition in Kaunas will be open from 5 September till 5 July 2009. Everyday working hours: 11:00-17:00 h. It is closed on Mondays.