Greetings of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov with the Day of restoration of the State of Lithuania

Ukraine and Lithuania have very much in common. The foundations of friendship between our nations were laid yet in the times of Kievan Rus, and these relations have never ended. National revival of the Republic of Lithuania, as well as Ukraine, started in the XIX century, and the disruption of the Russian Empire accelerated these processes.

It was exactly February 16, 1918 when the Lithuanian Counsil adopted the Act on the restoration of the State of Lithuania. It took Lithuania more than 70 years to finally become independent in 1990.

I am extremely grateful to all our Lithuanian friends who support Ukraine on its path to the European home. I thank Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite and all the Lithuanian people for consistent and efficient support of Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and independence. Like Ukraine, Lithuania is ready to stand up for its independence and freedom. Lithuania's path to the European Union is our landmark and guideline, - we will pass this way as well!

I sincerely congratulate our Lithuanian friends on the holiday!

Tegyvuoja Lietuva! Glory to Ukraine!