President: Fate determined a restless neighborhood for Lithuania, but we have turned it into our advantage

Lithuania has learned to transform its "restless neighborhood" into a strategic advantage, President Gitanas Nausėda declared on Statehood Day. Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony, he noted that when faced with attempts to sow discord, Lithuanians unite; when pressured, they grow stronger; and when threatened with subjugation, they embrace freedom even more fiercely.

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Destiny has determined a restless neighborhood for Lithuania, but we have learned to turn even that into our advantage.

"Let us continue to walk the well-trodden path, creating a Lithuania that is united, independent, prosperous, and democratic – a state open to friends and invincible to enemies," Nausėda urged. He drew parallels to the nation's first and only crowned king, Mindaugas, who ascended to the throne in 1253. Mindaugas, Nausėda explained, recognized the need for unity when others focused on short-term interests and secured international recognition for the nascent state, paving its way into the European family of nations.

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When they try to divide us, we unite our forces; when they pressure us, we temper ourselves and grow stronger; when they try to enslave us, we embrace freedom even more fiercely.

"The brave vision of the first ruler determined Lithuania's fate for centuries," the president stated. "Even the fiercest competitors did not dare to destroy Mindaugas's impressive legacy, because only a united state could withstand immense external pressure and ensure the safety of its inhabitants."

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Let us continue to walk the well-trodden path, creating a Lithuania that is united, independent, prosperous, and democratic – a state open to friends and invincible to enemies.

Nausėda asserted that Lithuanians today still benefit from Mindaugas's legacy, enhancing the country's resilience by relying on the time-tested idea of statehood and membership in the European Union and NATO. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of learning from history, consolidating strength, and rallying allies to confront new challenges, particularly by aiding Ukraine, which he said needs support the most right now. July 6th marks the celebration of King Mindaugas's coronation and has been a state holiday since 1991.

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The brave vision of the first ruler determined Lithuania's fate for centuries.