Acting Minister of Environment Romanos Petrosyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Armenia Inga Stanite-Tolochkiene, Lori Region Governor Aram Khachatryan, Acting Deputy Minister of Environment Anna Mazmanyan and a number of officials planted the first saplings of the Lithuanian forest symbolizing diplomatic relations in Lori region.
The Republic of Lithuania was one of the first states in the European Union to respond to the call of the Armenian government to join "10 million trees" initiative. Within the framework of the initiative, Lithuania donated about 10 thousand birch trees to Armenia.
The Lithuanian forest was established in Lori, in the territory of Khndzorut forest enterprise of "Vanadzor forestry" branch of "ArmForest" SNCO.
"The Republic of Armenia and Lithuania are united by a number of cultural and civilizational commonalities, which provide the best basis for further strengthening and deepening our 30-year ties, particularly in the sphere  of environment," said Acting Minister Romanos Petrosyan in his opening remarks, extending a vote of thanks to the partners of the Republic of Lithuania. “I greet the donation of 10.000 birch trees to "10 million trees" initiative by the Republic of Lithuania; it best reflects the attitude towards nature protection and environmental management.
Under the Paris Agreement, the Government of the Republic of Armenia has expressed a rather ambitious willingness to implement a number of environmental programs, to advance the climate agenda, and within this framework, huge tree planting has been launched throughout the country this year. The "10 million trees" initiative is the unification of the society around the climate agenda. Thank you for becoming a part of that agenda."
In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania deemed  it a great honor to be in Armenia.
"We built our solidarity and friendship between our two countries 30 years ago, laid the foundation for our further cooperation. Visiting Armenia, I am convinced that the seed we sowed 30 years ago has grown into trees of friendship and relationship. In that sense, it is very symbolic that we will plant a tree today. I am convinced that in 30 years, when we meet here, as two democratic and Christian countries, we will walk through the trees that have already grown, then we will have trees of 60 years of friendship and solidarity. This also symbolizes that even in the most difficult moments we look to the future: since those countries plant trees, which have hopes.”
The signboard of the Lithuanian forest was solemnly opened, and the first trees were planted.