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Dear Ministers,

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is so symbolic that today, 20 years later after we have re-established our diplomatic relations, we have gathered here at the Nobel Institute. The place where each year the Norwegian Nobel Committee according to the guidelines laid down in Alfred Nobel’s will, decides whoever " have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses".

Today we, Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians came to Oslo to express our respect and gratitude for Norwegian support for our freedom and 20 years of partnership and fruitful cooperation.

Our struggle for freedom has been long and hard, but Lithuania - like other Baltic States never gave up – for more than a decade thousands of Lithuanian freedom fighters were struggling against the occupants, and when they were suppressed – the dissidents, risking their and their family lives, continued the struggle for the right to live in dignity and freedom. The policy of non- recognition of our occupation, which was supported by quite a few democratic countries, including Norway, was like a beacon of hope guiding our people through the years of occupation.

50 years elapsed until the Baltic Way took place in 1989, when 2 and a half million people - Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians - joined their hands to show the world their unwavering will, which led to the restoration of statehood. Our struggle for freedom became a unifying force.

Later on, during the soviet aggression of January in 1991, Nordic politicians were among the first in the world to strongly condemn that violent act against the peaceful people. Empire collapsed and the Baltic States emerged as the  winners in the battle for freedom and democracy and proudly rejoined the European family.

Today, when we look back, it seems to be a miracle that three Baltic countries succeeded on their unrelenting way to freedom, democracy and market oriented economy.  Today we are fully-fledged members of international society, members of many international organizations, including the EU and NATO, active players in the region. It wouldn't be possible to achieve all this without the helping hand of the Nordic countries. Solidarity was the core value guiding Nordic countries who accepted us back to the family of free nations.  Now we show solidarity and, according to our means, to participate in development policy, international security operations and missions, provide humanitarian assistance. In other words, our countries that were  "receivers" 20 years ago became  "contributors" today.

Today, when we gathered in Oslo, it is also important to dwell upon the issues of our Baltic Sea region. Yesterday we participated in the annual ministerial event of the CBSS that crowned a successful year of  the Norwegian Presidency. There are many other important regional formats that we enjoy being part of. It is obvious that joining the EU and NATO opened further possibilities of cooperation on the regional level. It is the advantage that has been regained together with our freedom - the full fledged participation in the regional issues.

Nordic - Baltic cooperation has always had a special place in our international relations and in the hearts of our people. We are very pleased to see how it is growing and expanding. The Baltic Sea  Region represents our common home for which we all are responsible. I am sure we all are willing and ready to pool our resources and our creative minds in making the Baltic Sea Region a better place for all of us - clean and safe, prospering and competitive, - the right place to live for free and creative people.

However we still have an important and pressing objective in front of us - while celebrating 20 years of international recognition the Baltic States have not fully acquired energy independence. We are still an energy island, often dependent on one energy supplier. In order to make energy independency a reality we need integrated links with Nordpool, Western European Energy market as well as to develop new energy sources and opportunities. We are highly satisfied with the EU Council decision to eliminate all energy islands in the EU by 2015.  Being an important energy supplier, Norway could play an important role to this end.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

During the last two decades Norway has become an important economic partner and political ally for us. And I see it as a natural outcome of partnership among countries united by the same region.  As a remarkable sign of our strong political collaboration could serve Norway's responsible engagement in NATO's air-policing mission in the Baltic States.   A proof of our tight economic cooperation could be mentioned some Norwegian companies, like Statoil, DnBNord have already taken advantage of attractive environment for investments in our country.  Ålesund and Klaipėda shipbuilders place the most advanced sea ferries when Sulla municipality is successfully cooperating with Panevėžys in textile production. I should also mention that we highly appreciate the projects implemented together with Norway through the European Economic Area and Norwegian financial mechanisms. The areas of environmental protection, green industry innovations, public health initiatives, preserving cultural heritage are of utmost importance to us and significantly contribute to enhancing Lithuania’s cooperation with your country.

As a perfect symbol  of  our cultural partnership I could mention joint project of the University Choir Pro Musica from Vilnius and Academic Choir from Oslo who noting the 20th anniversary of the restoration of our diplomatic relations, will perform works of two great composers M. K Čiurlionis and E. Grieg in Lithuania and Norway this Saturday.

An important bridge between our countries is a numerous Lithuanian community in Norway. It  enriches our economies  and brings our nations closer together.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Henrik Ibsen said: “The spirit of truth and the spirit of freedom - these are the pillars of society“. Belief in these values led us to our success. I hope that freedom, truth and solidarity will remain the driving force to the success and welfare of our people.

Tiuzen tak.