On March 28, at the Presidential Palace, First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė met with the new head of the Ukrainian Center, Erika Vaiginienė. Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania Olha Nikitchenko, Rector of Vytautas Magnus University Juozas Augutis, and Vice-Rector Vilma Bijeikienė also attended the meeting.
During the conversation, First Lady of Lithuania congratulated the new head of the Ukrainian Center on her appointment and emphasized that one of the Center’s greatest assets is its reputation — not only in Lithuania and Ukraine but also internationally.
Diana Nausėdienė also noted that the joint efforts of all partners have made the Center a unique multicultural space that supports the Ukrainian community, strengthens cultural ties between Lithuania and Ukraine, and promotes a deeper understanding of the history of both countries.
In turn, Ambassador of Ukraine Olha Nikitchenko thanked First Lady Diana Nausėdienė for her invaluable personal contribution to the establishment and development of the Ukrainian Center, as well as her constant support and care for Ukrainian citizens who have found temporary shelter in Lithuania.
Olha Nikitchenko also expressed gratitude to the leadership of Vytautas Magnus University for supporting the Center’s activities and for hosting this flagship cultural and educational project at one of Lithuania’s leading universities.
Another important topic discussed was the Ukrainian Center’s future activities, particularly its role in supporting Ukraine’s European integration through academic research and the exchange of experience.