VILNIUS, Lithuania &8212; Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Navy Adm. James Stavridis visited Lithuania July 13 as part of his outreach effort to establish close relationships with the leadership of NATO member countries.

While there, he met with President H.E. Ms. Dalia Grybauskaite, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Audronius Ažubalis, Minister of Defense Mrs. Rasa Jukneviciene and the Chief of Defense Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius. The leaders conducted talks in which they shared views on how to take the Alliance forward. 

Stavridis conveyed his latest appraisal of NATO's progress in Afghanistan and highlighted the part Lithuania has played.

"I want to convey to you how happy we are with your efforts in Afghanistan, first of all for Lithuania's remarkable contribution to ISAF (International Security Assitance Force) through the Chaghcharan Provincial Reconstruction Team and for contributing as well to the special operations' role, which I consider key components to our stability and security efforts," said Stavridis.

Stavridis also underlined the regular contributions Lithuania makes to the NATO Response Force. Lithuania's consistent support of the NRF rotations is vital to the NRF's continuing operation.