Łapiński: we expect Poles to be treated as full citizens in Lithuania

“We expect the Lithuanian side to respect all standards regarding national minorities that are in force in the European Union”, said on Monday Krzysztof Łapiński, a spokesman for the President of the Republic of Poland. He also assured that Poland wants to strengthen relations with the Republic of Lithuania.

Polish President Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda will visit Lithuania on Thursday, where they will take part in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Lithuanian state.

The presidential visit will be an opportunity to improve Polish-Lithuanian relations – emphasized the presidential spokesman.

“It is a very important factor that the President of Poland responds positively to the invitation of the Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and celebrates occasions that are important and symbolic for Lithuanians. It shows that we want to build and strenghten a good relationship with our neighbor” – said Łapiński. “However, such situations require mutual willingness” – he stressed.

The president’s spokesman indicated that the Lithuanian community living in Poland is treated very well by the Polish state in every aspect. “We also expect a certain reciprocity for Poles to be treated as full citizens in Lithuania, while maintaining all standards regarding the rights of national minorities, developed in the recent decades by the EU and other international institutions.” – he highlighted.

PAP, wPolsce.pl