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United States Congratulates Lithuania on its historic vote to join NATO

March 10, 2004

The United States Embassy welcomes and applauds the historic March 10 vote in the Seimas to ratify the NATO instruments of accession.  

U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Stephen Mull along with members of the resident diplomatic corps attended the Seimas session during which the Seimas members present once again overwhelmingly confirmed Lithuania determination to be NATO members.  This solemn day holds great importance for Lithuania, NATO and the United States.  Lithuania has taken its final step towards membership in the transatlantic alliance that has kept Europe safe and strong for over fifty years.  NATO’s expansion sustains its relevance into the 21st century.  And the United States welcomes the addition of a good friend to our most fundamental security relationship.   

We join with our Lithuanian friends today in remembering all of their sacrifices over generations to make this country the secure and independent democracy it is today, and look forward to our even closer relationship within the NATO Alliance to make our transatlantic community a more secure and peaceful place that poses a threat to no one.

Lithuania has already proven itself a capable and willing partner in NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and the Balkans, and as a NATO member will strengthen the Alliance and its capabilities. Lithuania’s military transformation to a NATO ready force that is deployable and interoperable with NATO has been impressive and the U.S. will continue to support this ongoing effort.  The United States looks forward to April 2 when Lithuania's flag will be raised at NATO headquarters, and Lithuania will share a seat at the table in Brussels among 26 NATO allies.