President Valdas Adamkus received Admiral Giampaolo di Paola, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee.
 
Among the issues discussed at the meeting were NATO solidarity and the importance of strengthening Baltic States' capabilities.

"We have the strategic objective of having NATO's Baltic Air Policing extended until 2018," Mr. Adamkus said. "It not only guarantees our security, but it is also a major political and psychological factor indicating equal defense criteria applied to all NATO member states."

President Adamkus underlined that Lithuania would respect its long-term commitments in restoring security and stability in Afghanistan, streamlining most of its funds allocated for international operations to this country.

Admiral Giampaolo di Paola spoke highly of the professional qualities demonstrated by Lithuanian servicemen and their significant contribution to stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan.

He pointed out that Lithuania was and would continue to be a reliable partner in internationals security operations.