Queen Elizabeth II addresses the Seimas

Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II today addressed members the Seimas (the Lithuanian parliament). The Queen was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

In her speech, the Queen praised all three Baltic countries for their transformation into sovereign states. Her Majesty said the political, economic and social transformation of all three countries was unparalleled.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined NATO in March 2004 and the European Union in May of the same year.

This is the first time The Queen has visited the region.

The Queen paid tribute to all those who stood up against tyranny during the countries road to freedom.

“I pay tribute to all who stood up against tyranny, so often making the ultimate sacrifice” said the Queen.

Her Majesty said she was encouraged by the "freedom of movement and labour" between the United Kingdom and Lithuania and hopes the State Visit will demonstrate the importance of the Anglo-Lithuanian relations.

“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” Said the Queen.

“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" she added.

Before their visit to the Lithuanian parliament, Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were officially welcomed to Lithuania by the President Adamkus at the Presidential Palace.

After the welcoming ceremony, the Queen was presented with the Order of Vytautas the Great with the Golden Chain by the President – The order is bestowed on Lithuanians and foreign Heads of State for exceptional merits to the State of Lithuania.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will attend a State Banquet in their honour later today.

Pictures of the State Visit to Lithuania are available here.