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“We remember this day with proper respect and gratitude to all who fought for Lithuania’s freedom, formed the basis of the independent state and defended national interests even during the hardest years of oppression,” indicated Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas, congratulating his colleagues at the Foreign Ministry and Lithuanian diplomatic missions abroad.

Even in the hardest moments, Lithuanian diplomatic service in exile proclaimed to the world an immortal idea of the Lithuanian state, which in the 20th century was for the second time incarnated by the nation together with the Reform Movement of Lithuania (Sąjūdis).

“We pay honour in commemoration of the diplomats, who suffered exile and occupation. Today, as members of the world community with equal rights and a voice in transatlantic organisations, we can courageously create the future of our country and contribute to the security and welfare in our region with the support of strong traditions in Lithuanian diplomacy,” said Head of Lithuanian diplomacy.

On the occasion of the anniversary, on 14 November the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will invite to an exhibition called “The Millennium Diplomacy” which will be dedicated to the history of Lithuanian diplomacy. The exhibition will consist of historical documents and photos, various awards and other material pertinent to the history of diplomacy. 

This exhibition presents the first attempt to overview the main tasks and goals of the Lithuanian diplomacy during various historical periods, the formation of the structure of the diplomatic service and its activity methods.

Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established on 7 November 1918. The first Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs was the then Prime Minister Prof. Augustinas Voldemaras.

Today there are 1030 employees working in the system of the Foreign Ministry. 59 Lithuanian diplomatic missions function in 43 countries in Europe, America, Africa and Asia.