They also exchanged views on relations with Eastern Partnership countries and Russia, geopolitical changes and processes posing a threat to the security of the region. Taking part in the meeting were President Andris Bērziņš of Latvia and President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia.

It was underlined that the security of the United States and Europe was indivisible and that the United States had a profound and enduring interest in the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Fact Sheet prepared by the United States on cooperation with Lithuania highlights the contribution made by our country to addressing issues of critical importance to global security. Lithuania's achievements in Smart Defence are underlined: Lithuania hosts NATO's Energy Security Centre of Excellence and Nuclear Security Center of Excellence both of which are operating successfully; NATO's Air Policing Mission in the Baltic States is supported and maintained on a permanent basis. Lithuania's participation in security and stability missions in Afghanistan and elsewhere is recognized and acknowledged at professional level. The Fact Sheet accentuates ongoing cooperation in energy, trade, Eastern Partnership, global internet policy, cyber security, education and research, as well as leadership exchange programmes - President Dalia Grybauskaitė also participated in one of them. Read full text of the Fact Sheet here.

According to the President, the goals that were set in the first charter of partnership and cooperation have been achieved, and Lithuania is moving on to a new level of broader strategic cooperation with the United States of America. It opens new opportunities for ensuring the security and well-being of the Lithuanian people.

"Cooperation between Lithuania and the United States in the past several years has been more successful and result yielding than ever. The goals that were set by the Charter have been achieved. But today our people are facing new security challenges and we need new solutions. Therefore, Lithuania and the Baltic countries are entering a new stage of strategic cooperation with the United States," the President said.

The Unites States wants to expand cooperation with the Baltic and Nordic countries - and this will help Lithuania in its pursuit of strategic goals, the President said.

The United States supports Lithuania's, Latvia's and Estonia's energy security goals and has declared its commitment to strengthening the energy security of the Baltic region. America has openly stated its support to the Third Energy Package implemented in Lithuania, energy interconnections with the West, as well as reliable and diverse supply of energy. The President pointed out that the United States could also contribute to ensuring alternative energy resources by facilitating the issue of permits for the export of shale gas to NATO countries, including Lithuania. Natural gas is four times cheaper in the United States compared to Europe.

Lithuania and the United States have a shared interest in nuclear security. Cooperation on nuclear security is important to Lithuania as it seeks to have the highest international safety standards applied to nuclear power stations planned for construction in close neighborhood. Last year, Lithuania was invited to the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul. A Nuclear Security Center has been opened in Lithuania with U.S. assistance.

Secure Eastern neighborhood is in the common interest of Lithuania, the European Union and the United States. According to the President, democratization in Eastern Partnership countries promotes not only their development, but also global security. Therefore, Ukraine's eurointegration and a productive Vilnius Summit are geostrategically important.

Relations with Eastern Partnership countries are on top of the Lithuanian EU Presidency list of priorities. Lithuania is making every effort to have the EU Association Agreement with Ukraine signed at the Vilnius Summit this autumn and to have such agreements initialled with Moldova, Georgia and Armenia.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė and President Barack Obama reviewed negotiations started during Lithuania's EU Presidency between the European Union and the United States for the Transatlantic Trade Agreement - the world largest trade agreement that will create millions of jobs, boost investment and growth.

The Presidents of the Baltic countries and the United States discussed the situation in Syria which was a source of serious concern for the international community. President Dalia Grybauskaitė underlined that the use of chemical weapons was unjustifiable.

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