Nausėda says he apologised to Adamkus for missing centennial celebration

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said on Thursday, in an interview with the news agency BNS, that he had apologised to former head of state Valdas Adamkus for not attending the celebration of Adamkus' 100th birthday in Vilnius. Nausėda stressed that his absence would not damage their close personal relationship.

The celebration took place on Tuesday, when Nausėda was on an official visit to Germany. He admitted the absence was a personal loss, but said the trip could not be rescheduled because everything had been planned in advance.

Why the visit could not change

The president explained that he was due to open a security conference in Germany held together with Lithuania for the first time. In his words, Lithuania was given the chance to open an event second in importance only to the Munich Security Conference, and missing it would have been a significant loss. The dates could not be moved because of other travel commitments either.

The conversation with Adamkus

Nausėda said he called Adamkus before the event, apologised and explained his reasons. Adamkus was aware of them and replied with a single sentence. Nausėda did not reveal the exact reply, but described Adamkus as a wise and benevolent person. He said he deeply respected and admired the former president and wanted to keep their warm personal relationship.

A recorded congratulatory message, which Nausėda said he wrote himself from the heart, was delivered to the organisers last week.

Upcoming trips

Ahead of Lithuania's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, Nausėda plans to visit as many EU capitals as possible.