The Lithuanian Embassy in Athens to hold virtual celebration to mark milestone in the country's history
The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Hellenic Republic invites everybody to join a Virtual Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of Lithuania on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 15:00 hrs.
A proper diplomatic reception to celebrate this milestone of modern Lithuanian history was originally planned on March 11th, on the actual date of proclamation of independence in 1990, however, due to the Covid-19 lockdown, we had to cancel it almost at the last moment.
Instead, as we adapt to the new reality and learn new ways to conduct diplomatic activities, the Embassy has decided to hold a virtual celebration. We are hoping that this will be a highly successful event with a large audience reached in both Greece and Lithuania.
With this event we would also like to recognize the Greek people and institutions who contributed to the development of bilateral relations between Lithuania and Greece, and, in cooperation with the Greek non-governmental organization “Symplefsi”, to organize a Charity Auction to support communities living on the most remote Greek islands.
Please join us in celebrating Freedom!
The event will be broadcasted live on the Emmbassy's Facebook page here and on Youtube here (to be announnced). If you would like to participate in a silenct auction, you can already start biding here.
PROGRAM
| 15:00–15:05 |
Prelude: We say Labas (Hello)! |
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National anthem of the Republic of Lithuania, performed by Lithuanians living in Greece and Cyprus National anthem of the Hellenic Republic, performed by the Lithuanian Diplomatic Choir from Vilnius |
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| 15:05–15:15 |
Address by H.E. Rolandas KAČINSKAS, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Hellenic Republic |
| 15:15–15:20 |
Welcoming remarks by H.E. Mr Miltiadis VARVITSIOTIS, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic |
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15:20–15:35 |
* * * A gift from the Embassy to the people of Greece: |
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Presentation of silent auction to assist “Symplefsi”, a Greek non-profit organization that provides support to communities living on the most remote Greek islands. |
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* * * Recognition award ceremony honoring individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions to strengthening bonds between Lithuania and Greece |
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| 15:35–15:45 |
Lithuania- Greece: Diplomacy |
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Video message from H.E. Linas LINKEVIČIUS, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Lithuanian Diplomacy Star award presentation to Mr. Giorgos A.PAPANDREOU, f. Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic |
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* * * Story behind the gifts for awardees: A word by a representative of MO Museum, a modern art museum in Vilnius * * * |
| 15:55–16:10 |
Lithuania- Greece: Economy |
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Video message from Mr Marius SKUODIS, Deputy Minister of Economy and Investments of the Republic of Lithuania; Remarks by Mr Yiannis GIAKOUMAKIS, Honorary Consul of Lithuania to Crete, introducing Enterprise Greece, Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) for recognition for their contribution to the development of bilateral economic relations; A short conversation about prospects for business cooperation bewteen Lithuania and Greece with:
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* * * Musical performance. ZORBA THE GREEK goes electric: Tribute in Honor of Mikis Theodorakis 95th Birthday, performed by Robertas SEMENIUKAS, acclaimed Lithuanian guitarist * * * |
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| 16:15–16:25 |
Lithuania- Greece: Culture |
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Remarks by Mr Cesaris GRAUŽINIS, Lithuanian theater Director, introducing Mr. Sotirios Souliotis for recognition for his contribution to translating literature into the Greek; Remarks by Mr. Sotirios SOULIOTIS, Literature translator |
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| 16:25–16:35 |
Lithuania- Greece: Basketball |
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Video message from Mr Vladas GARASTAS, former President of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation; Presentation of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation’s award to the Hellenic Basketball Federation; Experts’ talk:
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| 16:35–16:45 |
Lithuania- Greece: Communities |
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Remarks by Ms Dalia HENKE, President of the Lithuanian World Community, introducing the Lithuanian community in Greece and Greek community in Lithuania for their contribution in building human bridges between two nations; Conversation between leaders of two communities:
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| 16:45–16:55 |
Announcement of the winners of Silent Auction |
| 6:55– 17:00 |
Celebrate Freedom! |
