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The President: NATO Summit is the best gift for the 700th anniversary of Vilnius

President of the Republic of Lithuania

July 11, 2023

President Gitanas Nausėda and his spouse invited the leaders of NATO member states to a social dinner at the Presidential Palace. The dinner was also attended by the guests of the NATO Summit - the leaders of Ukraine, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and EU institutions.

In his toast remarks, Gitanas Nausėda highlighted key elements of Lithuania's historical and cultural landscape.

"Today, I feel that the name of Vilnius resonates globally. I am especially proud that the NATO Summit is taking place in the old city of Gediminas," the President said, adding that this meeting is the best gift for the 700th anniversary of Vilnius.

According to Gitanas Nausėda, it is no coincidence that the NATO Summit logo features a stylized Vytis.

"Since times immemorial, Vytis represents bravery, perseverance and determination to defend what we Lithuanians hold dear - our land, our loved ones and friends, and our freedom," the President said.

According to Gitanas Nausėda, the same values are at the heart of NATO. That is why Lithuania was destined to join the Alliance of like-minded, strong-willed and freedom-loving countries.

"Never before has our country had so many close allies and friends. Never before were we a part of something as big, powerful and significant as NATO. For us, the Alliance has already become an integral part of our identity," the President said, offering a toast for the unity of the Alliance.

The guests were presented with special commemorative gifts - a book of unique design and exclusive content, introducing distinctive features of the Lithuanian identity, with original drawings by Ray Bartkus and texts by Arnas Ališauskas.

The cultural dinner programme included live musical performances, offering a sense of Lithuania and its history. State Choir Vilnius and saxophonist Petras Vyšniauskas performed an expanded version of Kur giria žaliuoja (Where the forest grows), and The Vilnius Summit, a musical composition specially created for the event, was performed by cellist Justas Kulikauskas, pianist Paulius Zdanavičius, multi-instrumentalist Saulus Petreikis, and the Trys Keturiose group (artistic leader Daiva Račiūnaitė-Vyčinienė).