Press release, 16 September 2013
During his visit to the USA, Vydas Gedvilas, Speaker of the Seimas, met with Major General Wesley E. Craig, Commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
The meeting dealt with the cooperation between Lithuania and the US in the area of defence, its priorities, further enhancement of relations, and cooperation prospects. The Speaker of the Seimas presented the acknowledgements to the Major General as an expression of gratitude on behalf of the Lithuanian Parliament and the people of Lithuania.
“We are commemorating the 20th anniversary of our successful cooperation. On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to you for your consistent support in establishing our army and building the foundations of security. Security, as we know, is one of the key guarantees of freedom,” the Speaker of the Seimas said.
Vydas Gedvilas underlined that the US was a major Lithuanian ally and partner. The Speaker of the Seimas acknowledged the contribution of this country and expressed hope for further joint exercise and training, as well as for joint involvement in international missions.
The Commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard assured the Speaker that the missions in Afghanistan and elsewhere had proved Lithuania to be a reliable and valued partner. “I would like to note that you have made a significant progress indeed in such a short period of time in building your country and its army,” commented Wesley E. Craig.
Tomas Beržinskas, Adviser to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel.: +370 5 239 6019, mob. +370 698 42 786, e-mail: [email protected]
