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On 3 February in Pretoria, Lithuanian Ambassador to the South African Republic Darius Degutis presented credentials to President Jacob Zuma.During the ceremony, the Ambassador stressed that although both countries were geographically distant from one another, Lithuania and South Africa shared similar relevant experience – the aim and the struggle for freedom and independence. Lithuania, which has just celebrated its twentieth anniversary of return to the community of democracies, will congratulate the South African Republic on the same occasion in 2014.

Lithuanian and South African ties are strengthened by a large community of Lithuanian Jews (Litvaks) that has contributed a lot and significantly to the creation of wellbeing in the South African Republic.

The Ambassador stressed that the EU-African Union summit is planned in 2013, when Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the European Union. Lithuania will aim that the summit serves for strengthening the EU-Africa relations.

The South African President welcomed prospects for cooperation with Lithuania in the spheres of economy, culture and sports. He also thanked for congratulations on the well- organized Football World Cup and wished for Lithuania to win the European Basketball Championship.

Darius Degutis is Lithuania’s fourth diplomatic representative, accredited to the South African Republic. He resides in Tel Aviv.

On 20 November 2011, Lithuania and the South African Republic will mark the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.