President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus congratulated President of the Federal Republic of Germany Horst Köhler on the Day of German Unity.

"In human life, 18 years is the age of maturity. This year, our states also celebrate their age of maturity: the 18th anniversary of reunification of Germany and of restoration of independence in Lithuania," writes the President in the letter of congratulations. According to the President, the reunification of Germany, like the liberation of other European nations from the occupational regime, has brought the hope of a peaceful life not only to our nations but also to the entire continent.

In the letter, President Adamkus underlines the need to keep going and to foster and defend the values fought for. "Because we cherish common democratic values and respect for human rights and international legal principles, we cannot watch indifferently at the efforts taken in the 21st century to revert to the world that believes in the balance of power and creation of influence zones or at aggression against a sovereign state."

Lithuanian's leader also underlines the importance of unity of the euro-atlantic community. "Today we, the nations that know the price of freedom perfectly well, must offer full support to the Eastern European and South Caucasian states that have chosen the road of democratic reforms and euro-atlantic integration," President Adamkus writes further, saying he believes these efforts will be continued and the vision of a united and free continent of Europe will be ultimately achieved.

Concluding, President Adamkus wishes every success to German President, and prosperity and well-being to German people.