News

On the eve of the Polish Presidency of the European Union on June 30, Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Egidijus Meilūnas took part in the opening of the Centre for Intercultural Dialogue that is dedicated to intercultural cooperation in the town of Krasnogruda on the Lithuanian-Polish border.

The Center was opened by the President of Poland Bronisław Komorowski. Advisor to the President of Lithuania Virginija Būdienė, Minister of Culture Arūnas Gelūnas and Consul in Sejny Liudvikas Milašius also attended the opening ceremony.

The Centre for Intercultural Dialogue is located in the manor that was the property of the family of Czesław Miłosz. The manor was restored by the Borderland Foundation (Fundacja Pogranicze). Anthony Miłosz, son of the Nobel Prize laureate Czesław Miłosz, took part in the opening.

Before the official ceremony, Lithuanian representatives visited the Lithuanian school ‘Žiburys’, Lithuanian House and the Consulate of Lithuania in Sejny.

During the opening ceremony, President of Poland B.Komorowski emphasized the Center’s symbolic significance and the commitment to eliminate boundaries that were still present in people’s minds.

A.Gelūnas and V.Būdienė also welcomed the participants of the event. V.Būdienė presented the dedication of the Lithuanian President to Director of the Borderland Foundation Krzysztof Czyzewski.

The events honouring Cz.Miłosz were held until 3 July in Sejny. Also Lithuanian scholars and people in culture enjoyed concerts, readings and symposiums.

The Centre for Intercultural Dialogue will be dedicated to the strengthening of cross-cultural dialogue in the borderlands of various countries in the world and to the research of such dialogues. The Centre will contribute with education, research, publishing and cultural activities. Exchanges of people in culture, historians, teachers and youth from neighbouring countries and cooperation will take place at the Centre.