In her message of congratulations, the President underlined that the citizens of Finland had traversed a difficult path of challenges, struggle and hard work to create a strong, independent and democratic state and society.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Finland. “During this period, the two nations have come closer together, and their friendship has evolved into genuine people-to-people interaction,” the President wrote. She pointed out that it was very good to know that shared values and good mutual understanding served as a strong foundation for the development of cultural, educational, scientific and societal contacts between our people.
Lithuania highly values, the President noted, that the two countries work collaboratively in the fields of economy, energy and regional security to protect the common interests of our citizens, attain long-term goals and address the challenges faced by Europe today.
Dalia Grybauskaitė wished Finland and its people continued success as well as lasting prosperity, freedom and peace.
On 6 December, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius congratulated the Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini and all the people of Finland on the 99th anniversary of the Independence Day of Finland.
Linkevičius underscored that Finland was a close regional neighbor and a reliable partner of Lithuania.
“This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Finland. Throughout those years, Lithuania and Finland have fostered friendship and close cooperation in many fields. In the context of current challenges facing our region, it is important to continue the efforts to strengthen cooperation in the areas of regional security, energy security, response to hybrid threats, strategic communication, also to continue to provide support to the Eastern Partnership countries. Finland is one of the closest NATO partners,” reads the letter.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister expressed his confidence that a close cooperation between Lithuania and Finland, which was based on democratic values, would only intensify, strengthening security in the two countries and well-being of the people.
