New Lithuanian Consulate General inaugurated in Los Angeles

After inspecting the new premises in the afternoon, in the western part of LA, Minister Linkevičius proceeded by officially opening the offices. The minister cut the ribbon in front of a number of prominent Lithuanian community members including Pastor Tomas and Violeta Gedgaudas, the president of the Lithuanian American Community of the Western US Region.

The Consulate General is located in a 16-storey building that is also home to eight other consulates, including Israel’s diplomatic representation on the West Coast.

In the morning Minister Linkevičius attended a church service in the Lithuanian Church in Eastern Hollywood. The Minister was greeted by Pastor Tomas. The Church, established in 1951, is located next to some exclusive properties, including the house that Walt Disney owned when he arrived in town.

After the opening of the Consulate General, the foreign minister met with members of the American Jewish Committee in Los Angeles. Many of those in attendance had Litvak roots and the minister expressed the feeling that he was among family members. The minister spoke about the achievements of Lithuania in the last 25 years after regaining independence. During an animated question and answers session the minister addressed a broad range of issues ranging from business opportunities to energy independence and some international political questions.

On Monday there is an official ceremony celebrating the opening of the new Lithuanian Consulate in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library just north of Los Angeles.