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:

“There is a deep symbolism in the fact that the independence of Armenia is celebrated in the 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.“

He emphasized that 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.

The Ambassador mentioned that currently the bilateral and multilateral dialogue has been enhanced and over the last two years there has been sharp increase in trade. He spoke about the role of the Armenian community as an important bridge between their new homeland and their fatherland - Armenia.

Speaking about Armenia-EU relations, Ambassador Mkrtchyan mentioned that the signing of the Framework Agreement is anticipated. He emphasized that Lithuania has been a keen supporter of Armenia in this process.

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.