During the conversation that followed the solemn ceremony, Ambassador Ž.Pavilionis reminded to President B.Obama, that since the times of General Thaddeus Kościuszko (Tadas Kosciuška), both nations have fought together for freedom, human dignity and core values.

Ambassador Ž.Pavilionis confirmed to the U.S. President Lithuania’s willingness to continue strategic cooperation on transatlantic matters, on the aid to Afghanistan and within the framework of the Community of Democracies. He added that Lithuania remains active and open to the ideas of freedom and democracy while preparing for the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe in 2011 and Presidency of the European Union in 2013. The Ambassador stressed that Lithuania has gained considerable experience in the space of Russia and Eastern Europe and looks forward to an active cooperation with the U.S. on the issues of guaranteeing democracy and economic security in Eastern Europe.

Ambassador Ž.Pavilionis emphasized the necessity to promote bilateral economic and cultural cooperation, to develop cultural youth exchange programs, to pursue gender equality by promoting women’s leadership and to maintain active and constructive relations with Lithuanian community in the U.S.

President B.Obama assured the new Ambassador of Lithuania that the U.S. will continue to actively cooperate with Lithuania. He also noted that Lithuanian leadership and efforts in Ghor province of Afghanistan, especially during the economic crisis, are an example of Lithuanian people’s unselfishness, expression of the freedom’s appreciation and understanding.

President B.Obama also highlighted the role of Lithuania as a leader of the Community of Democracies in reinforcing democracy worldwide, and expressed confidence in Lithuania’s OSCE chairmanship.

The U.S. President said that he was also fascinated by T.Kościuszko (T.Kosciuška), idealist and fighter for freedom, and regards him as a symbol of Lithuanian-US relations, because both nations have the same ideals.

President B.Obama sent cordial wishes for the people of Lithuania. According to the President, he recognizes and appreciates the support of the Lithuanian community in the U.S. to Lithuania’s aspirations of common goals and close relations between both countries.

Prior to his appointment as Lithuania’s Ambassador to Washington, Ž.Pavilionis worked as Ambassador-at-Large in the Transatlantic Cooperation and Security Policy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coordinated the issues of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Community of Democracies.

Ž.Pavilionis is the sixth Lithuania’s Ambassador to the U.S.