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The visit of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the First Lady, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, to Lithuania was of extraordinary importance for the Polish community living in the country. The meeting with representatives of the Poles was an opportunity to honour people of merit in the community and to express the aspiration for close and friendly relations between Poland and Lithuania. The visit was also an important step in realising the vision that was the dream of the late Lech Kaczyński – the dream of a fraternal relationship between the Polish and Lithuanian peoples.
During the meeting, President Andrzej Duda had the honour of awarding state decorations to persons who have made a significant contribution to the development and strengthening of the Polish community in Lithuania. These are symbolic gestures that recognise the efforts and dedication of Poles living abroad. The President emphasised that there are many people who want to build the best possible relations between nations, and that this is currently happening. He believed in the positive results of such meetings and stressed the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation.
President Duda also did not fail to touch on the current challenges facing Central and Eastern Europe. He highlighted the specificity of the historical moment in which we find ourselves and referred to Russia’s relations with Belarus, which borders Lithuania. He stressed the importance of building security in the face of these challenges, which is a priority for Poland and Lithuania. In this context, President Duda mentioned the sending of a contingent of Polish special forces during the NATO summit to support Lithuanian allies in protecting and ensuring stability.
During his speech, President Duda also recalled the long shared history of Poland and Lithuania, dating back to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. He mentioned that this union of many nations, with Poland and Lithuania as its core, survived for centuries and was able to resist Russian imperialism and attempts by other states to impose their will. He stressed that the community we are able to create in this part of Europe gives incredible strength and power.
The President’s speech was followed by an artistic performance by the ‘Solczanie’ Song and Dance Ensemble. This colourful presentation of Polish culture was not only an opportunity to celebrate, but also to emphasise the importance of the cultural and artistic heritage of Poles in Lithuania.
In the evening, the Presidential Couple was to attend a reception and concert to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Lithuania and the worldwide singing of the Lithuanian anthem. This is an important event that highlights the ties between the nations, as well as their common history and culture.
The meeting of the President of the Republic of Poland and the Spouse with the Polish community in Lithuania was not only an opportunity to honour and appreciate the efforts of Poles abroad, but also to build a close relationship between Poland and Lithuania. The community that can be formed in this part of Europe is strong and powerful, and it is important to continue efforts to strengthen ties and cooperation between the nations. Such cooperation is mutually beneficial and strengthens ties in the region.