Israel sets good vaccination example for whole world – Lithuanian president

  • 2021-04-14
  • BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS – Israel is setting a good example for Lithuania and the whole world, having vaccinated the majority of its citizens from COVID-19, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says.

He had a phone conversation with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday, the presidential press service said.

"The head of state welcomed Israel's success in vaccinating the majority of its citizens and managing the pandemic. He also underlined that Israel is setting a good example for the whole world and Lithuania would like to make use of it in opening up its economy and returning to normal life," the statement reads.

Nauseda also congratulated his Israeli counterpart on the upcoming Independence Day. "I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the State of Israel on its Independence Day and wish you and the whole nation peace, security and prosperity," Nauseda said.

Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948 but the date is marked under the Hebrew calendar and changes every year.

Last year, Rivlin could not visit Lithuania due to the COVID-19 pandemic and attend events to mark the 700th anniversary of Lithuania's Jewish history and the 300th birth anniversary of the Vilna Gaon. The presidential office noted, however, the anniversaries "important for Lithuania and israel" were marked with many events, conference and documentaries.

Israel has so far vaccinated almost 5 million people, or more than 50 percent of the total popular. As the vaccination programs gains momentum, Israel has also lifted the majority of restrictions but still has some measures in place, including the requirement to wear face mask and the "green pass" system that gives only vaccinated people access to certain places.