"The city that started with a wooden castle has grown into a power that inspires the country's economic and cultural life. The port of Klaipėda has an important role of reinforcing energy independence and trade relations with the world. Development of marine industry and energy will provide the country and residents of the Klaipėda region with a number of economic and social advantages," the President said.
According to a press release, Klaipėda has the enormous responsibility of building a liquefied natural gas terminal. In the president's words, a successful and efficient terminal is a strategic step towards a regional gas market and competition.
"My wish for Klaipėda is that it always lives in the spirit of persistence and freedom with wind, sea, and people who leave memorable and meaningful marks in the life of the city and Lithuania," Grybauskaitė said.
The president and Klaipėda Mayor Vytautas Grubliauskas discussed relevant matters of the city, economic and social problems, as well as reconstruction of the castle. Grybauskaitė said a well-managed and maintained historical heritage site could become a cultural and tourism center of attraction, yield economic benefit, and enrich the city with cultural events.
1252 is considered the beginning of Klaipėda. It is when a pact was signed to build a castle at the confluence of rivers Memelis (or Nemunas) and Danė, followed by building a city around the castle within two years.
