On August 5-6, the Rector of Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU), Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė, welcomed participants to the international scientific-practical conference “Ukraine and Lithuania: Parallels of History, Language, Culture, and Tourism.” The event was held at the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore.

In her opening address, the Rector emphasized the importance of mutual understanding between the two nations. She highlighted that the exchange of scientific and practical knowledge is essential in fostering these ties. “Kazimieras Simonavičius University is proud of its long-standing cooperation with Ukrainian universities and is pleased to contribute to strengthening ties between the two nations. To support Ukrainians living in Lithuania due to the war instigated by Russia, the university offers Lithuanian language courses, helping them integrate smoothly into the local community. We want Ukrainian people to feel safe both at the University and in Lithuania and to be able to integrate smoothly into our community while preserving their own identity,” said the Rector.

Presentations at the conference were delivered by prominent researchers from the Institute, including Dr. Halyna Pšeničkina, Prof. Dr. Sergejus Temčinas, ethnologist Gražina Kadžytė, and PhD students Nadiia Popyk and Linas Tavaras, whose theses are related to the Ukrainian region.

KSU Prof. Dr. Jolanta Zabarskaitė gave a presentation on cognitive language teaching methods.

The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jurga Trimonytė Bikelienė and Prof. Igor Koroliovas. Organized by the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore in cooperation with the Baltic Studies Centre of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the conference drew over 40 participants from both Ukrainian and Lithuanian research and study institutions. The sessions were conducted both in person and remotely, allowing for a diverse and inclusive participation.

The conference featured a wide range of presentations, addressing topical issues and drawing parallels between Lithuanian and Ukrainian culture, literature, and history.

During the conference, partnership and scientific cooperation agreements were signed with Ukrainian universities, further cementing the collaborative efforts between the two countries.