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Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis congratulates the entire diplomatic community on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since the re-establishment of Lithuanian diplomatic service. According to the Minister, the diplomatic service that had revived together with the restored independence of the state of Lithuania in 1918 drew inspiration and courage from the examples of diplomacy in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

“Belief in our country’s right to be free and independent prevented Lithuanian envoys abroad from recognizing the “new” occupational government and its instructions in 1940. Even though Lithuanian diplomats were banished from their diplomatic missions, had no regular income or staff, they did not allow the world to forget Lithuania and its aspiration of freedom for many decades,” Minister A.Ažubalis wrote in the congratulatory letter.

According to the Minister, the diplomatic service abroad that had not suspended its activities even following the fateful events in 1940 was the only real thread which tied the pre-war state with the March 11, 1990 and testified to the succession and continuity of the statehood.

“As diplomats of the re-established state of Lithuania, we can be proud that over the two decades of our activities we have significantly contributed to the international recognition of our state, to the reinforcement of its security and that now we are part of the European Union. Today we can and should join forces defending our country’s national security interests, as well as the interests of its people and businesses around the world,” the congratulatory letter reads.