News

On 10 March in Washington, the newly reconstructed premises of the Lithuanian Embassy were opened and the Day of Re-establishment of the Independence of Lithuania - the 11th of March - was celebrated there. At the Embassy, members of the U.S. state institutions, congressmen, representatives from the diplomatic corps and members of the Lithuanian American Community were welcomed by Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas.

“This year our country is marking many important dates, that is the millennium of Lithuania’s name, Vilnius – European Capital of Culture 2009, also this building in Washington, which has been the premises of the Lithuanian Embassy for 85 years, is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary. This year we will also celebrate the fifth anniversary of Lithuania’s membership in NATO and the European Union. For all this time Lithuania has been a responsible, strategic U.S. partner. This renovated, one hundred year old Embassy building symbolizes continuity of Lithuania as a country, which has stood up to the Soviet tanks and continues its history towards future prosperity,” said Minister V.Ušackas.

At the reception, the Minister thanked Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, General Norton Swartz for the air police mission that the U.S. exercise in the Baltic States.

“Thank you and your forces for securing the safety of Lithuania’s airspace”, said Minister V.Ušackas.

The guests were also greeted by member of the U.S. House of Representatives, co-chairman of the Baltic Caucus John Shimkus and former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert.