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On 17 April on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Latin America, an exhibition of photography “Latin American People and their Lives” “by freelance photographer and traveller Tomas Griškevičius was opened at the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most Latin American countries recognized Lithuania’s independence and established diplomatic relations with Lithuania in 1991-1992.

When opening the exhibition, Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Evaldas Ignatavičius recalled the emigration of Lithuanians to Latin America in the 19th and early 20th centuries and stressed Uruguay’s policy of non-recognition of the Soviet annexation of Lithuania after World War II.

The Vice-Minister highlighted that well-known Lithuanian scientists and artists had left their traces in the region.  For example, Ignotas Domeika, a graduate of Vilnius University, was a mineralogist, geologist, chemist and palaeontologist. In the 19th century he lived in Chile, undertook the initiative to overhaul the country’s education system, served as a rector of the University of Chile and became a citizen of honour of Chile. Palaeontologist Kazimieras Šlapelis was one of the first Argentine pilots, Alto Rio Sengers Airport is named after him. In 1950, the Bolivian government gave Lithuanian painter Jonas Rimšas the highest civilian award possible, the Order of the Condor, for his contribution to Bolivia’s culture.

“In the modern world there are various new means of communication, so I am glad that Lithuanians are discovering Latin America again. This photograph exhibition proves it,” Ignatavičius said.

The opening of the exhibition was attended by representatives from Nordic and Baltic Foreign Ministries, who are entrusted to deepen bilateral relations with Latin America and the Caribbean region.

About half a million people with a Lithuanian background live in Latin America, mostly in Argentina and Brazil. In 2001, the Embassy of Lithuania was opened in Buenos Aires.

Griškevičius’ photography exhibition lends viewers a glimpse into the Latin American world, customs and life. From 2008 to 2011 the photographer lived in South America. The exhibition captures wonderful moments and the photographer’s experience of his professional life and travels in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.