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On 26 January, in Hüttenfeld during the convention of the chairmen of Lithuanian communities in Europe and the Heads of Lithuanian diplomatic missions in European countries, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Petras Vaitiekūnas indicated that the Lithuanian emigrants in Europe helped to establish and develop activities of Lithuanian diplomacy after the re-establishment of the Lithuanian State and to seek to implement strategic foreign policy goals.

‘I think that today the time has come, when we are able and should work together to strengthen the communities, as well as to present Lithuania to Europe: its history, culture, business and tourism possibilities,’ said Minister P.Vaitiekūnas.

The Lithuanian state, according to the Head of Lithuanian diplomacy, was many times divided and erased from the maps. Just as many times, however, the Lithuanian nation proved that it was alive and undivided, always uniting for joint activity and common future.

‘After Lithuania joined the Schengen area, we came even closer to each other and are able to achieve more. It is also symbolical that this event coincides with the National dictation, during which the Lithuanian language unites fellow-countrymen living in various countries,’ highlighted P.Vaitiekūnas.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania was glad that Lithuania was about to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Re-establishment of the Lithuanian State and to reminisce about the input of the emigrants to the fight for independence and the building of the State.

‘This year we are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Reform Movement of Lithuania (Sąjūdis), which awakened our generation for movement to the return of independent status for Lithuania. These events mark our nation’s strength in the thousand years of Lithuania’s history. I am certain that on Lithuania’s path to Europe, which is marked with fight and victory, we shall continue to write our story of success,’ said Minister P.Vaitiekūnas.

Chairperson of the World Lithuanian Community Regina Narušienė sent her congratulations to the participants of the convention.

The Minister also presented the guidelines and priorities of activity of Lithuanian diplomatic missions in European countries in 2008.

The ideas expressed by the participants of the convention were generalised and presented in the conclusions and recommendations.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania P.Vaitiekūnas also visited the European Lithuanian Cultural Centre, the Institute of Lithuanian Culture and the Lithuanian February 16 gymnasium.

At the Kunstraum Gerdi Gutperle Art Gallery, Minister P.Vaitiekūnas opened an art and photograph exhibition called Vom Menschen Lesen. At the exhibition there are works of German and Lithuania artists and photographs.

This exhibition opens the events of ‘Essentia Baltica 2008’, dedicated to the Year of Culture of the Baltic States and Germany.