President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus presented letters of credence to Antanas Vinkus as Lithuania’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, and Antanas Valionis as Lithuania’s Ambassador to Latvia.

Wishing every success to Ambassador Vinkus, President underlined that Russia was not only Lithuania’s neighbour but also an important player in international politics and that Lithuania should therefore pursue good relations and constructive cooperation with Russia based on mutual respect and international legal principles.

Presenting letters of credence to Ambassador Valionis, President pointed out that Lithuania and Latvia were actively involved in global international organisations and the cooperation between the two states in foreign policy, especially in the field of the EU Eastern neighbourhood, was therefore increasingly important. According to the President, both states must seek concrete results and focus in dealing with most important bilateral issues in energy, economics, culture and other areas.

President Adamkus wished the ambassadors every success in representing the state and expressed hope their work would contribute to stronger relations between Lithuania and its neighbours.