President Valdas Adamkus accepted letters of credence from Mr. Scott Heatherington, Ambassador of Canada.

Speaking at the credentials ceremony, Valdas Adamkus underlined that Mr. Heatherington’s assignment as Ambassador to Lithuania would add a new impetus to bilateral relations of the two countries, advancing even further cooperation ties between their people, businesses and governments.

 “Canada has always been a friendly and sincere partner of our country. At a time difficult for Lithuania, many people from our country found a second homeland in your country where they were able to foster their language, culture and traditions. When we were making the first steps on the path of reestablishing and consolidating independence, we felt the moral and practical support of your people and government. This year we are especially delighted that the Canadian government has decided to lift the visa regime for Lithuanian nationals,” Mr. Adamkus said, adding that this decision would certainly contribute to stronger people-to-people contacts between the two nations and to the further development of their economic and cultural contacts.

 President Adamkus noted that Lithuania and Canada were active members of the international community with their servicemen and civilians working together towards peace and democracy in Afghanistan.

 “I am pleased that last year Canada and Lithuania co-sponsored, together with their respective foreign ministries, an international conference in Vilnius to bring more extensive international support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. And in just several days’ time, we will see in Vilnius yet another display of our cooperation: a photo exhibition about Afghanistan organized jointly by the Canadian Bureau and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Lithuania,” Mr. Adamkus said.

 He stressed that common democratic values, respect for human rights and international law, binding the two nations together, did not allow us to remain indifferent when attempts were being made in the 21st century to return to a world based on power balancing and zones of influence, when aggression was being committed against a sovereign state and its territories were occupied in contempt of peace agreements.

 “It is now as never before important for Lithuania and Canada to work together in building Euro-Atlantic unity and strengthening NATO, the key international security organization. Together we must extend comprehensive assistance to East European and South Caucasus countries on the path of democratic reforms and Euro-integration which they have chosen of their own free will,” Mr. Adamkus said.