Energy, Legislation, Lithuania, Security, USA

Anne Elizabeth Derse and Dalia Grybauskaite. Vilnius, 6.09.2012. Photo: president.lt

"Specific contingency plans for the Baltic States and the extension of air policing mission are highly important achievements in terms of security of the Lithuanian people which have received strong support from the United States. In the sphere of security, the United States will always be one of the most important partners and NATO allies for Lithuania," the President said bidding farewell to the U.S. ambassador.

According to Dalia Grybauskaitė, active cooperation between Lithuania and the United States has already brought benefits to the entire NATO – the Vilnius-based Energy Security Center this year will become a NATO center of excellence. The President noted that the Nuclear Security Center, which had been set up jointly by the two countries, would also contribute to promoting regional cooperation in the fight against nuclear weapons smuggling.

As a country seeking for energy independence, Lithuania especially values the United States' support for the energy projects implemented in Lithuania, the President said.

Anne Elizabeth Derse has been Ambassador to Lithuania since October 2009. Before then, she headed the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan and served in the United States' diplomatic missions in Iraq, the European Union, Singapore, and Trinidad and Tobago.