REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, VILNIUS -- Lithuania seeks friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Russia, but will not tolerate external pressure, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said.

Grybauskaite became the first Lithuanian leader to win consecutive terms as president after receiving 57.9 percent of the vote during the second round of presidential elections on Sunday.

"I hope for friendly relations with Russia which are based on mutual respect if the other side wishes the same. We are always ready to cooperate, also in trade, but we will never allow to be subjected to pressure or be shown what and how Lithuania should do," Grybauskaite said.

"Dignity, self-respect and mutual benefit, these are the principles that should set the basis for relations between countries and no doubt, knowing that this is our neighbor, we wish this country to democratize and cope with the arising economic challenges," Grybauskaite said.

She wished all neighbors of Lithuania prosperity, democracy and respect for human rights. "We are ready to help any state if it wishes this," the president said. (ant/mar)

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