Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

A public holiday of Lithuania- the Day of Restoration of the State - was solemnly celebrated in the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall on February 18, 2016.

Lithuania’s Ambassador to Baku Valdas Lastauskas, addressing the event, said today Lithuania is a modern country, a member of the European Union and an active country of the international community, which has a policy of good neighborly relations.

"We cherish our freedom but we also care much about everyone’s right to be free," the ambassador said.

Lithuania has walked a long and glorious path of development after gaining independence 98 years ago, on February 16, 1918. Like Azerbaijan, Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union for a certain part of its history, but never ceased to dream of independence. Lithuania regained its independence on March 11, 1990 and today, the country is a full member of the European community.

Lastauskas further emphasized that Azerbaijan has always been and will continue to be Lithuania's important partner.

“Lithuania and Azerbaijan maintain close cooperation in the cultural, political and security issues, the two countries cooperate in energy projects and will continue to cooperate in trade sphere,” Lastauskas said, noting that the two countries’ governments, parliaments and representatives of business circles, as well as sports and culture representatives cooperate closely.

Speaking at the event, Vice-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Valeh Aleskerov noted that the two countries enjoy excellent relations of friendship and partnership.

He reminded that Azerbaijan and Lithuania established diplomatic relations in 1995.

“Azerbaijan and Lithuania have signed more than 30 documents, that allow us to develop relations in all spheres,” Aleskerov said, adding that the two countries have already organized four business forums.

The evening continued with the concert of the famous Lithuanian accordionist, Martynas Levickis, who delighted the audience with his virtuoso performance. Levickis played pieces of the world-famous composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, Wolfgang A. Mozart, Astor Piazolla and many others.

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Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova

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