Speeches

Address by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of Polish Independence Day

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the second consecutive year, I have the honor to extend on behalf of the people of Lithuania our warmest congratulations to all of you on Independence Day.

In 1918, after 123 years of lost independence and territorial divisions, Poland restored its statehood.

This year carries great meaning to our countries. The Solidarity movement, born exactly thirty years ago in Poland, cracked the foundations of the Soviet empire and contributed in a significant way to the reestablishment of Lithuanian independence in 1990.

Lithuania felt Poland's friendly shoulder along all its path of integration into NATO which started twenty years ago. After Lithuania and Poland joined the European Union, cooperation between our two countries became strong as never before. It took us only several years to see how much we can achieve when we act in unity and in support of each other.

We have laid a strong foundation for the growth of wellbeing of our people. The stability and strong economy that Poland demonstrated in the face of global downturn sent a good sign to the whole of Europe.

I have no doubt that we will continue on the path of cooperation because we are stronger together. May our shared historical experience give us a common vision and further inspiration!

Once again, congratulations on Independence Day!