Valdas Adamkus

President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus received a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States Mr. Barack Obama, in which the U.S. leader congratulates the people of Lithuania on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Lithuania's accession to NATO.

"The United States is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Lithuania as Allies and friends as we build on NATO's achievements in enhancing security and prosperity for our nations," the U.S. President writes in the letter.

President Barack Obama underlines in the letter that it was through persistence and the accomplishment of challenging political, economic, and defence reforms that Lithuania succeeded in attaining NATO membership. According to the U.S. leader, Lithuania's contribution to NATO operations, and its commitment to the values which define the Alliance, are a testament to NATO's ongoing transformation and evidence of the enduring benefits of NATO's enlargement.

"We must remain devoted to our shared objective of a Europe united, free, and peaceful, and keep NATO's door open to nations that are willing and able to bear the responsibilities of membership. We must continue to support those who aspire to join NATO; Lithuania's success stands as a strong example for others to follow."