An event dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of Armenia’s Independence and establishment of Armenian-Lithuanian diplomatic relations

11 October, 2016

On October 11, at the Vilnius "Congress" hall, a symphony concert and reception. entitled "Armenia-Lithuania 25", took place on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the independence of Armenia and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Lithuania,
The first part of the concert was conducted by Konstantin Orbelian, Artistic director of the Opera and Ballet National Academic Theater, the second part was conducted by Gintaras Rinkevičius, conductor of the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra.
During the concert there were performances by merited artists of the Republic of Armenia, pianist Armen Babakhanyan and baritone Gevorg Hakobyan. Famous works of prominent Armenian and Lithuanian composers were included in the repertoire.
Around 1,000 guests attended the concert. Vytautas Landsbergis, founder of the newly independent Lithuania, ministers, representatives of the Lithuanian government, former heads of government, politicians, parliamentarians, Ambassadors accredited to Lithuania, prominent intellectuals, representatives of the Armenian community were among the guests.
The concert was supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia. Representatives of the Armenian community had their significant contribution as well.
Tigran Mkrtchyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Lithuania delivered a speech at the opening of the concert and in particular stated the following:
“Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, fellow Armenians,
I am delighted to host all of you here on the 25th Anniversary of Armenia‘s Independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Lithuania.
There is a deep symbolism in the fact that the independence of Armenia is celebrated in independent Lithuania. Armenians will always remember and respect the fact that Lithuania was the first state in the world to recognize Armenia‘s restoration of independence in 1991. Many Lithuanians, in their turn, always remember the fact that the leaders of Armenia in 1991 January mediated between the Soviet soldiers and the Sajudis movement leaders, thus preventing further bloodshed in Vilnius. Throughout the 20th century Lithuanian intellectuals expressed compassion towards the victims of the Armenian Genocide and admiration about Armenians‘ ability to rise from the verge of extinction and re-invent their statehood. In 2005 the Seimas of Lithuania recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide.
The mutual sympathy and respect between our peoples did not first originate in the 20th century. Already in the 13th century many Armenian merchants, soldiers and intellectuals lived and were highly respected in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the great battle of Grunwald in 1410 an Armenian unit was fighting alongside the Lithuanians. There are other instances of no less importance from the 16th and 17th centuries when Armenians went to battle together with the Lithuanians. Nowadays, Armenian-Lithuanians are highly respected as businesspeople, doctors, scholars and artists. They are making invaluable contributions to their home – Lithuania, helping build an important bridge between their new homeland and their fatherland - Armenia.
Currently, we are developing democratic polities in our respective countries enhancing the bilateral and the multilateral dialogue. On the latter format we anticipate signing the Framework Agreement between Armenia and the EU hopefully soon. I am happy to emphasize that Lithuania has been a keen supporter of ours in this process. The bilateral relations have, as always, been on the rise. Over the last two years there has been sharp increase in trade. The figures of both import and export of products from Lithuania to Armenia and vice versa have multiplied several times, and this is indeed encouraging.
But figures and numbers are not all that characterize our ties. Armenian-Lithuanian relations are dominated by principles before interests. In the past, the main agenda of our two small, yet mature, Christian nations has been the indefatigable and successful struggle for freedom and independence. And I am proud that we have stood by each other in this noble task for several centuries. Trust is built through time, through culture, through shared values and civilization. And here we find several commonalities between our peoples.
Today’s concert is dedicated to independence celebration. One of the pieces of the repertoire, by Ippolitov-Ivanov, is an instrumentalisation of the famous and heroic march of the Zeytun fighters of 19th century in Armenian Highlands. They were known for their independent spirit and undefeatable will. This brief, yet beautiful march, expresses both courage and creativity, features that condition the progress of humanity in general.
Summarizing, I should thank the supporters, implementers and participants of this concert. I want to thank all of you for being here. I would particularly like to thank the politicians, who, amidst decisive parliamentary elections, found time to be present here. I am grateful to Maestro Gintaras Rinkevičius and his talented orchestra for agreeing to perform this concert. Indeed our guests from Armenia, Maestro Constantine Orbelian, soloists Gevorg Hakobian and Armen Babakhanian, who are all much requested on the best stages around the world, have enriched this concert with their generous input. The Ministry of Culture of Armenia did its best to guarantee that our musicians were here today. I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Armenian community without whose support it would not be possible to organize and record this concert and host the ensuing reception. My warmest thanks go to Ara Tunian as well as to Karapet Babayan, Marat Sargsyan, Garnik Kazarian, Yervand Zhamharyan and Armen Airapetian. I commend the enthusiastic support of the youth of Baltic Armenians Alliance.
I know that long speeches before a concert can be irritating. Not at all wishing to upset this respectable and considerable audience, I should now give the floor to whom it has always belonged- to the musicians.
Thank you՛՛.
The Anniversary of 25th Independence of Armenia was widely covered by the Lithuanian mass media. The Armenian Ambassador was interviewed by the Lithuanian main television LRT, where he talked about the meaning of the 25th anniversary of Armenia's independence, Armenian-Lithuanian historical relations, Armenia's tourism attractiveness, Lithuanian-Armenian community.

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