President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus has sent a letter of congratulations to the President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus whose country has taken over the presidency of the EU.

"I would like to congratulate you and your country on taking over the presidency of the European Union. I have no doubt that you will discharge the important and difficult duties of this mission with efficiency and perfection. I firmly believe that the rich and centuries long history of your country, its deep traditions of diplomacy, and the resilience of your people in their struggle for European values will enable you to attain the established objectives. Your presidency will be significant for the whole of the European Union which, I hope, will continue on the path of solidarity, compromise solutions and sound principles," the President writes in the letter.

According to President Adamkus, Lithuania and the Czech Republic are bound by the common goal of building a strong, competitive and solidary European Union that is open to its neighbors in the East, that stands united in countering energy security, climate change and other global challenges, and that resolutely defends the ideals of democracy and liberty.

Lithuania's leader has also sent a letter to the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, to thank his country for successful presidency of the EU in the first half of the year and him personally for his leadership in addressing pan-European issues of energy, economy, and security policy and for his efforts in strengthening the relations with the EU's Eastern and Southern neighbors.