Slovenian President at the ceremony celebrating Lithuanian restoration of independence

Vilnius, 11.3.2010  |  press release

On the second day of his official visit to Lithuania, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, and his wife, Barbara Mikliè Türk, attended a ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuanian independence, held at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania.

In his address, President Türk noted that, 20 years ago, the Lithuanian people had proved that freedom and human rights are invincible. The circumstances of that historical period did not only demand hard work, but also courage, perseverance and determination. Dr Türk emphasised that, by those events, the people of Europe have learned the meaning of self-determination of nations in Europe. Self-determination of nations became a real and victorious principle, changing both Europe and the entire world.

President Türk added that events in Lithuania and in other Baltic countries during that historical period had resulted in irreversible and peaceful change. One year later, Slovenia also proclaimed its independence. In connection with this, Dr Türk recalled that Lithuania had been the second country to recognise Slovenia's independence. On behalf of all Slovenians, he therefore expressed gratitude to the Lithuanian people for this early recognition, for political support and for their solidarity. This is something that we will never forget and we will remain eternally grateful to Lithuania, said the Slovenian President.

Today, Slovenia and Lithuania are both active within the European Union and NATO and in making efforts for a better world. Dr Türk added that the work started 20 years ago has not yet been completed. He pointed out that several tasks still lie ahead on the long road towards freedom and prosperity. These can, however, only be accomplished if we act together and let ourselves be guided by the spirit of freedom, which saw an awakening in Europe 20 years ago.

President Türk and Mrs Türk then visited Independence Square, in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, and attended the ceremony of the raising of the flags of the Baltic states, along with a military parade.