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Address by Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the NATO Social Dinner

President of the Republic of Lithuania

July 11, 2023

Mr. Secretary General, Dear Colleagues,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all at this special dinner.

Today, it feels as if half of the world has gathered here in Vilnius to discuss security and defense - and also to get a sense of Lithuanian hospitality.

The whole day we were talking about boosting our defenses, our response to Russia's threat and the need to help Ukraine. Tomorrow will also be devoted to the most pressing issues to our Alliance.

But this evening, I would like to talk about Lithuanian traditions and our shared values.

This year, Vilnius is celebrating 700 years since it was first mentioned in the famous letters of Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania.

Gediminas not only significantly strengthened the Lithuanian state, but also pursued the idea of opening up to the world. He sent letters to the whole of Europe, inviting merchants, craftsmen and others to come to Lithuania - a safe place for peaceful dialogue.

That is history. What every Lithuanian also knows is the legend about the dream Gediminas had while hunting in this same valley. In his dream, the Grand Duke saw an Iron Wolf, who was standing on a hill and howling as strong and loud as a hundred wolves.

A priest explained to him that the Iron Wolf represents a castle and a city that will be founded here, and this city will be a great capital, and its glory will resonate throughout the world.

Today, indeed, I feel that the name of Vilnius resonates globally. I feel especially proud that the NATO Summit is taking place in the old city of Gediminas, and under the ancient Lithuanian emblem of Vytis - a mounted armored knight chasing enemies.

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

I believe that the same values also constitute the essence of NATO. Lithuania, in a sense, 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, as powerful and as significant as NATO. For us, the Alliance has already become an essential part of our identity.

Let me thank you, each and every one, for coming here and sharing this wonderful testimonial moment. I hope that you will enjoy your meals and musical program, and that you will have a chance to engage in productive informal discussions.

And now, let me raise a toast for the unity of the Alliance. All for one and one for all!

Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania