Press Release
Press Service of the President
Republic of Lithuania
October 22, 2008
Vilnius – President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus received Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The meeting was focused on Lithuanian-US cooperation and NATO activities, Lithuania’s participation in international operations, and the planned modernization of the Lithuanian army.
“Collective defense guarantees provided to each NATO member state are the backbone of our security. However, our security cannot rely only on contracts, not least because the geopolitical situation of Lithuania, also Latvia and Estonia, makes them distinctive to a certain extent. Being sure of the efficiency of collective defense, the Baltic countries can feel safe even in the face of a potential threat,” noted President Adamkus.
“The US is a reliable partner of Lithuania. We are linked by strong bonds of political and military cooperation. I pay respect and gratitude to Lithuanian soldiers who are experienced and reliable partners in international missions in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Admiral M. Mullen said.
At the moment, 4 US F-15 jets are based in Zokniai Air Base on the NATO Air Police Baltic mission. Lithuania and other Baltic states actively cooperate with the US in the field of defense; together they organize joint military exercises. The US pays much attention to trainings for Lithuania’s military and defense officers.
Press Service of the President
