On May 29, 2024, an event commemorating the Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Argentina, Algimantas Rastauskas (1935–2020), was held at The Valdas Adamkus Presidential Library-Museum. The event took place both in-person and virtually via the Zoom platform.

At the event, Algimantas Rastauskas’ wife Nelida Rastauskienė, daughters Ariana and Daniela Rastauskaitės, diplomat and political scientist Darius Sužiedėlis shared their memories of Algimantas Rastauskas and insights into the Lithuanian community in Argentina. The event was moderated by historian Dr. Giedrius Janauskas.

Honorary Consul Algimantas Rastauskas was born in 1935 in Vabalninkai. During World War II, he moved with his family to Germany, and in 1948, they relocated to Argentina, where he became an active member of the local Lithuanian community. He participated in the men’s ensemble “Aitvaras,” the folk dance and song group “Daina,” and led the dance group “Rambynas.” He was also one of the organizers of the World Lithuanian Youth Congress in South America.

For over 20 years, Algimantas worked in the Lithuanian diplomatic service, strengthening cooperation between Lithuania and Argentina. After Lithuania regained independence, Algimantas was appointed the first Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Argentina (1992–2000), where he played a crucial role in restoring Lithuania’s relations with Argentina. He also carried out consular work, connecting many Argentinians of Lithuanian descent with their homeland. Algimantas assisted the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in establishing the only Lithuanian embassy in South America, located in Argentina. He served as Consular Advisor until 2012.

Photos by Jonas Petronis.