THE QUEEN VISITS LITHUANIA ON 17- 18 OCTOBER, 2006
On 17 October President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus met with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
President Adamkus and the Queen talked about the development of the Lithuanian statehood from the times of King Mindaugas until tragic 1991 events. The Lithuanian President and the Queen exchanged their thoughts about consequences of the Second World War to Lithuania, mass deportations to Siberia, repressions and the Jewish genocide.The Queen was interested to know about marches of Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas and other facts of the Lithuanian history. The Queen said she was pleased to have finally visited Lithuania about which she had heard so many things. “During fifteen years of independence you have achieved so much as nobody had expected from you,” said Queen Elizabeth II.
President Adamkus said he saw this visit of British Monarch to Lithuania as a sign of special recognition of our state. According to the President, this visit is validation of our efforts to advance the road of democracy and prosperity, to create open society and strong and free state.
During fifteen years after the reestablishment of diplomatic relations, Lithuania and the United Kingdom consolidated their close partnership in politics, economy and culture. Both countries are united by common approach towards the European Union and NATO actions and future.
President Adamkus and Mrs. Alma Adamkienė together with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Vilnius Town Hall. In Rotušės Square, the royal couple welcomed Vilnius residents and guests and later attended a reception hosted by the British Ambassador Colin Roberts.
In the afternoon, Queen Elizabeth II and President Adamkus visited Vilnius University, where they were introduced to Lithuania’s scientific achievements and open a forum of students and young scientists, entitled “Research and Globalization” and staged in a specially erected Cafe Scientifique in the University Grand Courtyard.
The Duke of Edinburgh and Mrs. Alma Adamkienėvisited the Vilnius University Botanical Garden in Kairėnai (Vilnius district), where theytook part in the promotion of the International Award for Young People Scheme.
Later on in the day, the Duke of Edinburghattended a Lithuanian-British business forum and present certificates of recognition to young entrepreneurs.
In the evening, the royal coupleattended the state banquet held by President Adamkus and Mrs. Adamkienė in honor of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Press Service of the President
