Opinions & Interviews

“This year is of special significance for Lithuania. We are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the 1863 Revolt in Lithuania. In the near future we are taking over the Presidency in the European Union. These two facts are connected with the neighboring Belarus: the first one as a reminder of common history, the second one as a symbol of European neighborhood. Between these two dates are decades of wars and partitions, attempts to restore statehood. The Lithuanian and Belarusian peoples were able to preserve their centuries-long traditions of good neighborliness during this tragic period,” the message of the Lithuanian minister reads.

According to Linas Linkevicius, we should demonstrate our common historical heritage to the world. “But before that we should discover each other anew, as unfortunately the last decades have left some gaps. With a view to present the modern Lithuania to our neighboring Belarus, we have prepared the first Days of Lithuania that are to display our historical and present-day country: our arts, theater, literature as well as tourism and economic potential,” Mr Linkevicius said.

“Lithuania’s Presidency in the EU will open new opportunities for Belarus and other Eastern neighbors. Let us keep good traditions of the past and make use of the present-day opportunities,” the message of greetings runs.