Thank you for your warm welcome and for the opportunity to address the Seimas.

The exhibition I have just seen has reminded me both of Lithuania's long history as a European nation and of the drama of your country's recovery of Independence some fifteen years ago. It is an honour to stand here where so many risked their lives in the struggle for freedom.

Prince Philip and I begin today in Vilnius our first visit to the Baltic States to mark the achievements of all three nations in these recent years.

You have emerged from the shadow of the Soviet Union and blossomed as sovereign states, taking up your rightful places in the international community and as respected members of the European Union and NATO.

It is a transformation - political, economic and social - for which there are few parallels in the history of Europe.

But we should never forget what Lithuania has suffered along the road to freedom. The years of murder, torture, deportations and exile during much of the twentieth century are amongst the darkest passages in the history of our continent.

Here in Vilnius we cannot forget the tragedy of the holocaust. There are many in the British Jewish community whose families lie buried in Lithuania and I pay tribute to all who stood up against tyranny, so often making the ultimate sacrifice

During the years of occupation contacts between the United Kingdom and the Baltic States were limited. But before 1939 our relationship stretches back to mediaeval times so in the last fifteen years we have been rediscovering each other.

We value the great diversity that is a defining characteristic of Europe and you enrich our continent with your distinctive language, culture and experience.

I am pleased that the relationship between Britain and Lithuania is developing at such a pace. We face many of the same challenges and opportunities as we work together in the European Union and NATO.

Despite our different histories we see many things in the same light. We share an interest in building a Europe which is outward looking, open and confident. We are not afraid of change and reform. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of freedom, democracy, and the benefit of open markets which we enjoy in the EU and NATO are extended to our neighbours who are ready and willing to join.

We both believe that we have a duty to help resolve conflicts in the wider world. Trade and investment is growing in both directions and new opportunities are being created by the freedom of movement of labour.

Above all I am delighted that contacts between our people, especially the young, have flourished in recent years. Many Lithuanians are now visiting Britain and the number of British people coming to Lithuania is increasing rapidly.

Hundreds of years ago it was the Scots and the merchants from the North East of England who established themselves in your country. Today too people from these parts of Britain are again notably active in exploring new partnerships with Lithuania - it was a particular pleasure to welcome your President to Edinburgh in July this year.

Lithuania has a fresh and energetic spirit, born out of your struggles and achievements, to which British people respond. And I believe Britain has much to offer Lithuanians.

In the future I hope young people will continue to travel between our two countries, learning about each other, whether working, studying or as tourists. Lithuania's millennium in 2009 and Vilnius' term as a European Capital of Culture that year offer new opportunities, including collaboration with Liverpool which will be a Capital of Culture in 2008. We also look forward to welcoming Lithuanians to London for the 2012 Olympic Games, as competitors and spectators.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my visit will demonstrate the importance we attach to the relationship which now exists between Britain and Lithuania. We welcome Lithuania as a new partner and ally and want to see our relationship flourish in every sphere.

We admire the speed with which you have moved from being a recipient of international aid to being a generous donor, from an importer of security to a country contributing materially to the security of others.

We salute your dynamism, your creativity and your commitment to freedom and democracy which has so much to offer to your partners and to the world.

And Mr. Speaker, if I may quote from your national anthem as we walk together down the challenging path into our new century, "May the light and the truth accompany our steps".