Lithuania – is country with old history. During centuries territory of Lithuania has changed many times – it was expanded and was on the decrease. For this reason cultural heritage, significantly important to Lithuania, can be found not only in today’s territory of Lithuania, but as well in the neighbour countries. At the same time in Lithuania can be found heritage essential to Polish, Russians, Ukrainians, and Byelorussians.
Seeking efficiently protect heritage, important for more than one state is necessary international collaboration of responsible institutions, mutual assistance, dialog and perception of heritage significance. The Department of cultural heritage under Ministry of culture is one of the responsible institutions for international collaboration in cultural heritage protection field. The institution actively develops bilateral and multilateral cooperation seeking protect heritage abroad, which is important to Lithuania. As well exchange useful information, experts’ opinion and experience, theoretical knowledge which can be useful in mutual, significant for Europe heritage’s protection and preserve the cultural heritage for future generations.
Collaboration with Poland
In 1999 December 16 Governments of Lithuania and Poland signed an agreement for collaboration in the field of cultural heritage protection.
The Department of cultural heritage pursuing the commitments of the agreement in 2008 September 8-10 organised the 6th session of Polish and Lithuanians experts for cultural heritage preservation. During the session was decided to continue Lithuanians-Polish collaboration on restoring and reviving of Užutrakis manor. As well in pursuance of protocol of this meeting Cultural heritage department in 2009 February 23-26 organised meeting of heritage protection specialists. The meeting of heritage conservation experts and art critics was up for get information about present and prospective restoration-conservation works and discuss it.
Collaboration with Byelorussia
In Vilnius in 2009 February 12 was signed agreement between Lithuania and Byelorussia Ministries of Culture for collaboration in the field of cultural heritage protection.
By this agreement the both sides protect cultural heritage in their territory which is equally significant to Lithuania’s and to Byelorussia’s history and culture. Cultural heritage register, research and protection are pursued by valid laws of particular state.
Collaboration with Ukraine
In 2008 was initiated collaboration with Ukraine in the field of immovable cultural heritage protection. In the year 2008 delegates from the Ministry of culture and tourism of Ukraine and Scientific monument protection institute have visited Department of cultural heritage in Lithuania. During the meeting experts shared experience about creating cultural heritage register and discussed for prospective bilateral collaboration in the field of heritage protection.
In 2008 October 7-10 in Lvov (Ukraine) was held “Week of culture of Lithuania”, besides many events was organised conference “The importance of heritage of Grand Duchy’s of Lithuania to Ukraine”. In these events delegates from Department of cultural heritage and Ministry of culture have participated.
Collaboration with Georgia
In 2008 was initiated collaboration with Georgia. In November 17-23 the Department of cultural heritage by order of Ministry of culture organised duty call of delegates from Ministry of Culture, heritage protection and sport of the Republic of Georgia. During the meeting delegates were introduced to actualities on cultural heritage protection in Lithuania, strategic planning process, situation in the field of cultural property export abroad, the work of Cultural heritage centre. The delegates form Georgia also participated in the seminar “Implementation of the 1954 Hague convention (UNESCO) in Lithuania: challenges, possibilities, matters that permit of no delay”, in which introduced to participants impact of Russia-Georgia military conflict to cultural heritage.
