On 2 February in Vilnius, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas bid farewell to outgoing Italian Ambassador Giulio Prigioni.

During the meeting, Minister V.Ušackas thanked Ambassador for his activities promoting relations between Lithuania and Italy, for vigour activities of the Italian Cultural Centre in Lithuania, and highlighted the significance of fostering a linguistic and cultural variety.

Head of the Lithuanian diplomacy reminded the Italian Ambassador about an unsolved issue of restitution of Lithuania’s diplomatic mission and the land in Rome, and expressed hope that this issue will be finally solved in the nearest future.

Italian Ambassador G.Prigioni presented to Minister V.Ušackas a book “Bilateral Relations between Italy and Lithuania in 1919-1939”, which was under preparation for four years until its publication, i.e., during the Ambassador’s tenure and will be translated into the Lithuanian language in the future.

Minister V.Ušackas thanked for the gift and wished the Ambassador good luck and useful experience for continuing his diplomatic career in Minsk.

On 13 July 1922, Italy recognised Lithuania de jure. Italy held Lithuania’s incorporation into the Soviet Union illegal. During the years of occupation, Italy remained a refuge for Lithuania’s cultural and political representatives. On 30 August 1991, diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Italy were re-established.

G. Prigioni presented credentials to President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus on 10 January 2005.