On 13 September in Vilnius, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Audronius Ažubalis bade farewell to the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Anne Elizabeth Derse. The Minister thanked the Ambassador for her personal contribution to strengthening ties between Lithuania and the United States, support for the establishment of NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius and her efforts to secure the extension of the Baltic air policing mission.

 “I would like to sincerely thank Ambassador Derse for her commitment to strengthening the Lithuania-U.S. partnership. The Ambassador’s three-years term was marked by the implementation of many important projects for Lithuania: NATO’s air policing mission was extended, NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence was established and defence plans for the Baltic countries were adopted. We are glad that our ties have been so fruitful and warm. We wish you every success in your new endeavours,” Ažubalis said.