News

Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis congratulated Condoleezza Rice, who was confirmed as a new U.S. Secretary of State by the U.S. Senate on 26 January.

“The everlasting encouragement of the United States to Lithuania’s fundamental foreign policy goals has greatly contributed to my country’s foreign policy achievements and especially to the membership in NATO and EU,” – is stated in the letter of congratulation to C.Rice, which A. Valionis handed to the U.S. Ambassador in Lithuania Stephen Mull on 27 January.

According to the Minister, the U.S. President’s George W. Bush historical visit to Vilnius in 2002 was by most of Lithuanians perceived as one more proof of United States determination and commitment to support development of democracy, stability and security worldwide.

“Lithuania is more than ever ready to set all available means to address new and old challenges and to contribute to peace and stability,” – the letter says.

The Minister underlined that those who have benefited and prospered most from the commitment to freedom have an obligation to help others that are seeking their way along that path.

A. Valionis wished new U.S. Secretary of State every success and emphasized that he is looking forward to meeting her in Vilnius in April 2005 at the informal NATO foreign ministers meeting.

Talking to the Minister about this important meeting of NATO allies the U.S. Ambassador told that he expects the U.S. Secretary of State C.Rice to arrive in Vilnius.

S. Mull thanked Lithuania for taking initiative to supervise one of the new Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. “This is a fantastic decision and the U.S. will in every possible way help Lithuania to accomplish this mission,” – the Ambassador stressed speaking with Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

New Provincial Reconstruction Teams are planned to be opened this year in western part of Afghanistan as a part of NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan.