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Open Letter to the People of Vilnius

8 November 2005

On 22-24 October 2005, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld visited Lithuania to participate in the consultations between NATO and Ukraine.  The Secretary held press conferences at the site of the consultations and at the Presidential Palace after meeting with the President Valdas Adamkus.  The Secretary praised Lithuania for its contribution in Iraq and Afghanistan and noted Lithuania's active role in the Global War on Terror.

Following his visit, Secretary Rumsfeld wrote a letter of gratitude addressed to the people of Vilnius, praising Vilnius as "a wonderful place for our discussions".

Open Letter to the People of Vilnius

            I recently visited your beautiful city for important discussions with President Adamkus, Prime Minister Brazauskas, and other senior Lithuanian leaders.  During our talks, we discussed a variety of security issues as well as the warm relationship between the United States and your nation.  Vilnius provided a fine venue for our conversations.

            I also had the chance to spend an enjoyable and educational Sunday morning walking through your historic, old town district and visiting the KGB museum.  The museum was a stark reminder of the importance of preserving our liberty at all costs, and the visit helped me understand the depth of Lithuania’s commitment to freedom.

            Lithuania and the United States are good friends, and our relationship will continue to deepen in the years ahead.

            Thank you for your kind hospitality!