Lithuania in the News
13th July 2008
Queen Beatrix of Netherlands Makes a State Visit to Lithuania
Queen Beatrix and President Adamkus are saluted by soldiers
dressed in 14th century uniforms of Duke Algirdas’ day
The State Visit by Queen Beatrix of Netherlands left a warm impression in Lithuania. Queen Beatrix visited Lithuania for three days June 24 - 26, 2008 and her visit took her to many places in Vilnius, Trakai and Kaunas. She showed that she
Netherlands ambassador Annemieke Ruigrok (left) and
Mrs. Alma Adamkus (centre) with the new variety of
tulips gifted to Lithuania
was very interested in Lithuania’s history, culture and achievements. In Vilnius she arrived on St.John’s day, during the evening of which traditional festivities are held to celebrate the summer solstice. She had the opportunity to observe these traditional festivities during a concert in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace. For the occasion of her visit, Netherlands presented to Lithuania a new variety of tulips, as a sign of friendship between Netherlands and Lithuania. The tulips are already blooming in the gardens of the Presidential Palace.
The visit by Queen Beatrix was the seventh visit to Lithuania by a reigning monarch. Lithuania has already been honoured by the visits of the monarchs of United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Norway and Japan.

Photos courtesy President of Lithuania website.
Further information: www.lietuvosrytas.lt 1,24-26/06/08