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Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be here for the inauguration of this exhibition.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are three countries with unique heritage and history.

But, equally, when we listen to the story of those three countries over the past one hundred years, we hear about a common experience and a common outlook too.

All three declared their independence in 1918, creating space for the further development of their political, cultural and economic identities.

All three were swift to adopt an internationalist outlook, joining the League of Nations, adopting multiple social, cultural and humanitarian conventions, and participating in the effort to maintain peace and stability and prevent the outbreak of the Second World War.

And, when that failed, all three experienced sacrifice, suffering and repression in the tragic years that followed.

Independence was of course re-established in the early 1990s, with UN recognition coming in 1991.

And the Baltic Way was an inspirational event that paved the way to that freedom.

A human chain, over 600 kilometres long, reaching across the Baltic states, was an extraordinary show of solidarity, a demand for truth, and a key moment in establishing the momentum for change – captured in the stark and striking images on display here today.

Since taking their place again in the European family of nations, all three countries have proven to be ambitious, outward-looking, avant-garde states.

Estonia has been at the cutting edge of technology with its promotion of e-government.

Latvia has established an impressive reputation for the work of its scientists.

And Lithuania is among the world’s top countries when it comes to open markets for trade services.

Once again, we can also see their commitment to shaping a better world through multilateral action in the United Nations, the European Union and, of course, the Council of Europe too.

So perhaps we can also call this positive outlook “the Baltic Way”.

Certainly, all three member states benefit from being part of our Organisation, and our Organisation benefits from the positive role they play.

Each has signed and ratified nearly one hundred treaties, applied the terms of the European Convention on Human Rights through domestic law, and implemented judgments from the European Court of Human Rights – sometimes requiring determination to address complex issues.

Their commitment – your commitment – as parties to most of our main conventions – is a testament to your support for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and the convention system that underpins it.

The same can be said of your chairmanships of our Committee of Ministers.

Each showed a dedication to advancing causes in which we believe.

Estonia’s most recent term concentrated, among other things, on gender equality, children’s rights and human rights and the rule of law on the internet.

Latvia’s priorities included enhancing cultural identity, combating racism and intolerance, and cutting the backlog of cases at the European Court of Human Rights while improving the implementation of its judgments too.

And Lithuania’s focus included inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, regional co-operation, and the abolition of the death penalty in Europe.

So, as we celebrate the centenary of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian independence, we should acknowledge the difficult times that each has faced, and overcome.

But above all we should celebrate three modern states at the cutting edge of Europe, whose contributions to European values, peace and security benefit us all.

We should celebrate the Baltic Way.

Thank you.