The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania in Ireland, Egidijus Meilūnas is set to visit Portlaoise to meet with the Laois Lithuanian community.
He is due to come to Laois on March 2.
Since his appointment in September 2017, Ambassador Meilūnas has pledged to visit all the Irish-Lithuanian communities across the country to help foster Lithuanian identity and to strengthen and promote Lithuanian-Irish relations.
Ambassador Meilūnas will commence his visit in Portlaoise Library at 5pm where he make a donation of a large collection of Lithuanian language books which will accessible to all Lithuanian children living in Laois.
His visit will conclude with a celebration in Portlaoise Parish Centre at 7pm hosted by the local Lithuanian community and supported by Laois Partnership Company.
The event will feature performances from the Laois Lithuanian National dancing group, poetry, songs and a special performance from Dancing Jewels Ballet School led by prominent Lithuanian ballerina Sviesa Joha.
Ruta Maciuliene, Chairperson of Mes Is Laois, said: “It is a huge honour for the Lithuanian community of Laois to welcome Ambassador Meilūnas.
“It is especially significant since 2018 marks a very special anniversary for the people of Lithuania – the centenary of the restoration of Lithuanian Independence.
“Ambassador Meilūnas’ visit is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate Lithuania and encourage all Lithuanians living in Ireland to be proud of our country.”
Peter O’Neill, Chairperson of Laois Partnership Company, said: “Laois Partnership Company are delighted to support Ambassador Meilūnas’ visit to Portlaoise.
“The event will be a wonderful occasion which celebrates and showcases the vibrant Lithuanian culture that we have here in Laois and will inspire our local Lithuanian community to nurture their heritage and their language.”
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