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On 4 July Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas welcomed Lithuanian Honorary Consuls in foreign countries who gathered at the third convention and thanked them for their help promoting Lithuania in the world.

“Your experience undoubtedly contributes to the active foreign policy of Lithuania,” stressed Minister of Foreign Affairs P.Vaitiekūnas.

The Head of Lithuanian diplomacy indicated that he especially appreciates the initiative of Honorary Consuls establishing relations with representatives of foreign countries in the areas of culture, economy and education. These relations, according to the Minister, bring mutual benefits to business and tourism. Also Mr Vaitiekūnas expressed satisfaction over the growth in number of Lithuanian Honorary Consuls abroad.

“Lithuania’s economy grew by average of seven percent in past six years. However, we need more investment to maintain this tendency. Lithuania is interested in discovering new markets in the world and paving new ways between Europe and Asia for the transportation of goods. Although our market is not big, we still open the door to big markets in the East and remain a reliable business partner in the West,” said Head of Lithuanian diplomacy P.Vaitiekūnas.

The Minister also emphasized the role of Honorary Consuls promoting Lithuanian treasures of nature and culture, as well as tourism possibilities.

“Greece is famous for its three thousand islands. I hope that, thanks to you, Lithuania will become renowned in the world also as the land of three thousand lakes,” said Mr Vaitiekūnas.

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. The 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.

The first convention of Honorary Consuls was held in Vilnius, autumn of 2001 and the second convention was organized in the summer of 2004. Conventions of Honorary Consuls are organized once every three years. Currently there are 143 Lithuanian Honorary Consuls in 67 countries of the world.