VILNIUS – Friendship between Lithuania and Poland has spread and continues to spread the hope of freedom and justice across the entire region, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said during the celebration of Poland’s National Independence Day in Warsaw on Friday.
“Since very long ago, our countries have been united by their strong commitment to defend the values of Western civilization. The friendship between Lithuania and Poland, born in Kreva, tempered with blood in the Battle of Zalgiris and consolidated in Lublin, spread – and still spreads – the hope of freedom and justice across the entire region,” he said in a speech delivered at a ceremony in Warsaw’s Pilsudski Square.
In his speech, the Lithuanian leader stressed that Lithuania and Poland had learned very well the lesson of history that an aggressor could be appeased and had to be stopped decisively, the presidential office said in a press release.
“That is why we do not tolerate attempts to redraw the borders of sovereign states by force. We have rushed to the aid of Ukraine – under Russian attack – fighting for our freedom too. We stand steadfast together to defend the historical truth against lies and disinformation,” Nauseda stated.
He hailed Lithuania and Poland as inseparable strategic partners.
“Whatever the challenges we faced – together or apart – we never succumbed. We did not abandon our values. We kept faith in the future,” the Lithuanian president stressed.
Nauseda arrived on a two-day working visit to Poland on Thursday. In addition to participation in events to mark Poland's National Independence Day, his agenda included chairing of the second Council of Presidents with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.
According to the presidential office, the Council mainly focused on security and defense as well as bilateral cooperation.
Lithuanian and Polish leaders also discussed support for Ukraine.
Nauseda stressed that Lithuania was providing all possible assistance to Ukraine and planned to continue doing so.
According to him, helping Ukraine to win the war remains one of Lithuania’s main priorities, but it is necessary to keep this issue on top of the agendas of both the EU and NATO.
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