"First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for your efforts and initiatives in representing Lithuania abroad. The Government highly regards the role of the Lithuanian honorary consuls not only in the development of the economic relations, but also the promotion of Lithuania's identity across the world", said the Prime Minister.
The Head of Government noted Lithuania's increasing visibility on the world map. "Yesterday, Lithuania received an official invitation to start OECD membership negotiations. This is yet another strategic achievement. It will definitely attract the attention of foreign investors. A little earlier, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for the first time in the history, listed Lithuania among the developed economies. Today we are proud to have our country standing side by side with the world's mightiest", said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the introduction of the euro, Klaipėda liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, electricity interconnections with Poland and Sweden as well as the Rail Baltica will provide the country with more opportunities.
"Our excellent infrastructure helps us to become a corridor between the East and the West. This gives us the opportunity to establish more and better links with the Asian countries and continue to develop partnerships with our strategic partners in the West", said the Head of Government, pointing out the importance of the work done by honorary consuls, especially in the countries where Lithuania has no diplomatic missions.
Another issue discussed was national security, not only as regards defence but also social matters. The Prime Minister said that the new social model will actually enable to protect workers' financial security, ensure higher income and old-age pensions, and better reconcile professional and home life.
The Prime Minister invited the honorary consuls to continue actively working for the benefit of Lithuania, thus contributing to the country's human and economic welfare, promotion of cultural exchanges and cooperation in education and science.
Lithuania currently has more than 190 honorary consuls in 84 countries around the world. This is the sixth traditional honorary consuls' meeting, attended by 123 honorary consuls from 62 countries. Such meetings have been held every three years since 2001.
