Lithuania
Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 16:13 Written by Communications Intern Wednesday, 05 January 2011 09:41
The AWEPA section in the Lithuanian parliament was established in 2000. In the current parliamentary term 2008-2012, we have sixteen parliamentarians representing a wide spectrum of political groups, including Conservatives, Liberals, Social Democrats and others. To view more details of these parties and lists, please click here.
Head of Section - Hon. Egidijus Vareikis 
The AWEPA Head of Section for Lithuania is chaired by Hon. Egidijus Vareikis who is a representative of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, the largest conservative group in the Parliament. The Deputy Chair is Hon. Danute Bekintiene. The Lithuanian Section aims to coordinate activities that take shape around African policies of Lithuania as well with African parliamentarians and civil society.
Activities
12-19 Jan 2012: AWEPA Lithuanian Section Commemorates Human Rights Day
The exhibition “Art Pieces from Nigeria” was on display in commemoration of Human Rights Day in the Lithuanian Parliament from 12 - 19 December 2011. The event was coordinated by Dr. Egidijus Vareikis, Vice-President of the Association of European Parliamentarians with Africa (AWEPA).
The visitors of the exhibition had an opportunity to familiarise themselves on traditional masks and clothing from the largest nation in Africa (by population). The exhibit, representing the mysterious aesthetics of Central Africa, came from private collections of the Lithuanian entrepreneurs, developing ties with African businesses.
During the exhibition Dr. Vareikis emphasised the importance of human rights and the potential of Africa to Lithuania and Europe. The Representatives of the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Ministry assured that international relations with African nations will be developed in order to foster cooperation and mutual understanding. The speakers from the business sector shared their personal impressions and insights about Nigeria’s economy and multiculturalism. The event was attended by members of Parliament, Government officials and the public.
24 May 2011: Africa Day Exhibition in Lithuania
On the occasion of the World Africa's day in Lithuania, the exhibition "Africa in the eyes of Lithuanian diplomats" opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania on May 24, 2011. The exhibition presented a set of a high quality pictures made by the diplomats in various missions such as elections observations and aid of humanitarian actions.The First deputy minister of Lithuania, Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė opened the ceremony. South African ambassador addressed a speech to Lithuanian Samkelisiwe Isabel Mhlanga and the vice president of AWEPA Dr. Egidijus Vareikis. Lithuanian citizen of Malian origin, Viktor Diawara, closed the ceremony with a concert.
South African Ambassador giving her speech to Samkelisiwe Isabel Mhlanga and Vice-President of AWEPA Dr. Egidijus Vareikis.
24 November 2010: Africa: from Zimbabwean art to Human Rights
To commemorate Human Rights Day, the Lithuanian section in coordination with the Lithuanian based orgnanisation, Humana- People to People Baltic and German-based organsiation Friends Forever organised a Zimbabwean art exhibit and discussion held on 24 November 2010, titled "Africa: from Zimbabwean art to Human Rights". The exhibit was held in the Lithuanian Parliament and featured contemporary art (sculptures and paintings) from Zimbabwe. The event was attended by numerous Parliamentarians and Ambassadors residing in Lithuania.
