President Valdas Adamkus received a delegation from the US House of Representatives.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting was the relationship between Lithuanian and the United States, relations with Russia, Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Eastern European countries, and energy security.

President Adamkus noted that this visit by members of the House of Representatives to Vilnius highlighted the exceptional importance of relations between Lithuania and the United States.

“Our two nations have always been linked by bonds of friendship and ties of strategic significance. I am confident that under the new US administration the relationship between our governments and people will grow even stronger,” Mr. Adamkus said.

Congress woman Shelley Berkley, who heads the group of US Representatives, pointed out that their visit had the objective of demonstrating that the United States of America and Lithuania were true allies.

Congressman Ron Klein said that they were grateful to Lithuania and personally to Mr. Adamkus for the contribution to restoring peace and security in Ghor Province of Afghanistan.

Speaking about relations with Russia, President Adamkus underlined that Lithuania wanted to develop constructive and advantageous ties, based on respect, with its eastern neighbor. He further said that the dialogue with Russia was a two-way street and would be mutually beneficial only if built on clear values, regard for each other and respect for the commitments made.

President Adamkus also touched on the issues of Lithuania's energy security and energy-related projects: electricity bridges to Sweden and Poland and the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Ignalina.

Valdas Adamkus expressed hope that the Government of Lithuania and the Seimas would soon find ways to effectively deal with the restitution of ownership rights to pre-war Jewish community property in Lithuania. The delineation of the boundaries of the Jewish cemetery in Šnipiškės was also touched upon.