U.S. Signs Science and Technology Agreement with Lithuania 

Ambassador CLoud (left) and Minister Steponavicius

On June 22, U.S. Ambassador John Cloud and Lithuanian Minister of Education and Science Gintaras Steponavičius signed a Science and Technology Agreement. The agreement will allow the U.S. and Lithuania to share information, perform joint research, exchange scientists and researchers, organize joint scientific events and enhance collaboration between the scientific and educational institutions of both countries. By creating an opportunity for the two countries to work together on solutions for contemporary scientific and technological problems, the agreement strengthens the already close relationship between the U.S. and Lithuania.

"Technical expertise is, and will continue to be, a vital and valuable commodity for a nation to have in the 21^st century," Ambassador Cloud said at the signing ceremony. "I believe this will be even truer as we come out of these economically difficult times. Lithuania's leadership recognizes this, and is working to position Lithuania advantageously with an educated and capable workforce."

The signing ceremony for the agreement took place in Vilnius at the Ministry of Education and Science. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Lithuanian Science and Research Council, and the Science Academy were in attendance, as well as the Vice Minister of Education and Science, the State Secretary of the Ministry, and Fulbright alumni. Following speeches and the official signing, the agreement was toasted by the audience of government officials and prominent members of the scientific community. The event was covered by Lithuanian television and print media, including LRT and Baltic News Service.