Relations between Lithuania and Ireland have benefited hugely from the numbers of Lithuanians who have moved to Ireland in recent years, President Mary McAleese has said on a state visit to the Baltic state.
Speaking at a state dinner hosted by Lithuania's president HE Adamkus in Vilnius last night, Mrs McAleese noted that the two countries are closer now "than ever before in our histories". The most profound change in the relationship had come about as a result, she said, of the "very significant number of Lithuanians who now live and work in Ireland".
According to last year's census, Lithuanian emigres make up the second largest non-national community, with more than 24,000 of them currently resident in Ireland. The Lithuanian government, however, says the figure is closer to 100,000.
"We are delighted to have them and their presence enriches us tremendously," the President said, going on to address Lithuanian concerns that their country's economic and social fabric could be undermined if the predominantly young migrants do not return home. "As your economy expands, many Lithuanians currently living in Ireland will surely feel the pull of home," she said.
"When they do return, they will bring with them valued skills and experience to help develop your own country as it seeks to reap the full advantages of EU membership." Mrs McAleese also referred to the country's struggle for independence.
"Lithuania itself has come a long way in a short time and you can be justly proud of your considerable achievements," she said. "Your journey to freedom, democracy and respect for human rights has not been an easy one." At meetings with president Adamkus earlier yesterday, Mrs McAleese discussed the migration issue in addition to topics of mutual interest relating to the EU, bilateral economic cooperation and investment opportunities.
"We are united by our membership of the EU," the President told those gathered for the state dinner. "We think alike on many issues on the EU agenda and we have similar ambitions for the future of Europe. In 2013, we will share a team presidency, when Lithuania will preside over the union for the first time, and we look forward to sharing with Lithuania our experience of six EU presidencies stretching back to 1975," she said. The Lithuanian president told reporters he would like to see his country joining with Ireland to "assume an active role together in the EU".
"It is by pulling together that the smaller countries sharing similar ideas can make their opinions heard," he added. President McAleese is to deliver a speech at the Lithuanian parliament today and will then fly home to vote.