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On 5 July Undersecretary of Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Laimonas Talat-Kelpša welcomed Lithuanian Honorary Consuls who gathered to discuss issues of Lithuanian culture, tourism, national identity and image in the world. Lithuanian culture, according to L.Talat-Kelpša is a fundamental part of Lithuanian identity and image, a major driver of its economic growth and foreign policy.

“In the nearest future the promotion of Lithuanian culture will benefit from two important occasions: in 2009 Lithuania will celebrate a millennium anniversary of the first mention of Lithuania’s name and Vilnius together with Linz, a city of Austria, will be the European Capitals of Culture,” – stated L.Talat-Kelpša.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry indicated that the millennium anniversary of the first mention of Lithuania’s name would be a wonderful opportunity to remind the world of our historical beginnings and the commencement of relations with European civilization.

The project “Vilnius - European Capital of Culture 2009”, according to the Undersecretary of the Ministry will allow revealing the underlying relations between Lithuanian culture and European heritage, as well as the European cultural tradition, enriching it with new energy.

“For us it is important that this project also has to enliven Lithuanian everyday life, so that we could reap the benefits for a few years. Also we expect that you will assist us in opening the door to those, who will get interested in events in Lithuania or will even wish to visit them,” said the Undersecretary.

L.Talat-Kelpša attached special importance to the contribution of Honorary Consuls to promoting Lithuania in the world. These activities of Honorary Consuls significantly add to the popularization of Lithuania in the world: articles on Lithuania, various conferences, participation in TV and radio shows, supporting cultural events that propagate Lithuania.

“Today the promotion of Lithuania in the world is one of the major targets of our country,” – stressed State Secretary of the Ministry L.Talat-Kelpša.

The goal of the convention of Lithuanian Honorary Consuls that is held for the third time is to acquaint with the most important issues in Lithuania, development tendencies and possibilities in various areas in our country. During the convention activities, experience and suggestions of Honorary Consuls are discussed, seeking to cooperate creatively and effectively developing Lithuania’s relations with foreign countries.

 More than 100 Honorary Consuls from 56 countries are taking part in the convention. Currently there are 143 Lithuanian Honorary Consuls in 67 countries of the world.