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On 15 September at the Griffith College Conference Centre in Dublin, the Lithuanian Embassy in Ireland and the Lithuanian folklore band “Lietuviškas dobilas” (Lithuanian Clover) marked the twentieth anniversary of the Irish-Lithuanian diplomatic relations.President of the College Diarmuid Hegarty welcomed guests of the event in the Lithuanian language. The event was also attended by Lithuanian Ambassador to Ireland Vidmantas Purlys, Members of Parliament in Ireland, leadership of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague, representatives of business and culture, members of the diplomatic corps residing in Dublin and members of the Lithuanian Community in Ireland.

The Lithuanian Ambassador thanked Ireland for never recognizing the Soviet annexation of Lithuania and stressed close relations between the countries in the 21st century.

“Today Lithuania and Ireland closely cooperate in many fields. We work together within the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and in the European Union, we will together hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013,” the Ambassador said.

He stressed the contribution of the Lithuanian Community in Ireland to the development of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “The beautiful and rich Lithuanian Community in Ireland is a special link between our countries,” V.Purlys said.

Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs Joe Costello highlighted the similarities of history of Ireland and Lithuania.

“We know what it means when emigrants spread throughout the world, when families and friends live in different countries, where they share their songs and dances, distinct language and culture, but have a strong love in their hearts for their homeland,” said the politician.

On the occasion of its fifth anniversary, the folklore band “Lietuviškas dobilas” (Lithuanian Clover) of Lithuanians living in Ireland gave a performance of folk music and dance. Later a presentation of the Lithuanian culinary heritage took place.

Lithuania and Ireland established diplomatic relations on 2 September 1991.