Nordic-Baltic countries mark their national days at the annual Prague event
June 11, at the New Town Hall of Prague, embassies of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland gathered in an eighth joint celebration of the national days of the Nordic-Baltic countries. The annual event not only signifies strong cooperation between the countries, but also reflects the shared midsummer celebration tradition.
More than 500 people attended the event. Amongst the guests were members of the Czech government, business sector, culture, press and the diplomatic corps. The opening remarks by each of the ambassadors were followed by speech of the Vice-chairman of the Czech Senate Přemysl Sobotka, and the Czech Defense minister Martin Stropnický, who underlined that there has always existed a strong sense of solidarity and sympathy between central Europe and the Nordic and Baltic nations – a bond that is especially important now when the Baltic countries are pivotal in the tensions between Russia and the west. He further stressed that Czech Republic is a strong ally of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and a partner that can be trusted.
Following the speeches, a potpourri of the national anthems was performed by the 25 year old Charles Bridge band.
The event also offered an opportunity to taste Nordic and Baltic beverages and foods. At the Lithuanian table guests were encouraged to try the "Džiugas" cheese, "Vilniaus Duona” baked products, and Dundulis beer.
