President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus sent congratulations to the Governor-General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce, on the national holiday, the Australia Day.

Noting that today Lithuania and Australia are united by cooperation based on shared values and interests, the President underlines that the two countries are active members of international organizations and missions, supporting peace, common-good objectives, and sustainable development not only in their respective regions but also beyond their boundaries.

The President expresses hope that the two nations and societies will maintain even more intensive political, economic, scientific, and cultural ties. According to the President, this process will be further accelerated by enhanced diplomatic representation: the Lithuanian Embassy accredited to Australia in 2008.

“For many years, Lithuania and Australia have been linked by a close historical bond: the active Lithuanian community of Australia,” the President writes in the letter of congratulations.

Taking the opportunity, President Adamkus invites Australia's Governor-General Q. Bryce to visit Lithuania in 2009 and celebrate together the jubilee year, so important for Lithuania.

“It would be a great pleasure to show you our country and to discuss the new initiatives aimed at contributing to the development of bilateral relations between Australia and Lithuania,” writes the President.