The Embassy of Lithuania in Tbilisi commemorated the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis
On February 13, at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Georgia held a commemoration dedicated to the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, the most prominent Lithuanian artist of all time. The event was attended by diplomats from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries, as well as representatives of the Lithuanian community in Georgia, and friends of Lithuania.
During the event, the “Čiurlionis Quartet” performed compositions by M.K. Čiurlionis and other renowned composers using unique instruments made by Italian masters in the 18th century. The selected pieces, the high-level performance, and the projections of M.K. Čiurlionis' paintings created an uplifting and inspiring atmosphere.
In his speech, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania Darius Vitkauskas mentioned the security challenges and threats faced by Lithuania, Georgia, and other countries in the region. He emphasized that the existential struggle for fundamental rights to exist and live in a democratic and independent state, that has been ongoing in Ukraine for almost three years, is a fight for all countries in the region. "The recurring aggression by Russia once again shows that the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our countries cannot be taken for granted. Freedom and independence are not given, they must be constantly fought for and defended," the Ambassador stressed.
The Ambassador also expressed strong support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty and the Euro-Atlantic integration path chosen by the people of Georgia, despite current challenges. "Our solidarity with Georgia has been tested and proven. In 2008, in the face of Russian aggression, Georgia's closest friends, including the then-President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus, stood by Georgia and its people at Freedom Square, here in Tbilisi," the Ambassador said.
Speaking about the current situation in Georgia, Ambassador D. Vitkauskas regretted that in a country that once was a beacon of democracy and reforms in Eastern Europe, it is heartbreaking to see the decline of democracy, violence, repressions, and the detention of citizens peacefully fighting for a democratic and European future for Georgia, as well as the further self-isolation of the country.
"I want to assure you that Lithuania and the people of Lithuania stand with Georgia. We firmly support the people of Georgia. We are on the side of Georgia. On the side of European Georgia," the Ambassador emphasized.
