On February 9 Chief of Defence of Lithuania Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius visited the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, during official visit in the United States of America.
Maj. Gen. A. Pocius got acquainted with training programs and nuances of education at the Academy, and discussed further cooperation between Lithuania and USA in providing education for Lithuania's naval officers with leadership of the Academy. Later in the day Maj. Gen. A. Pocius met with three Lithuanian cadets studying at the US Naval Academy - future officers of the Lithuanian Naval Force.
February 10, the planned meeting with Maj. Gen. Jessica Wright, the Adjutant General, Pennsylvania National Guard, was conducted as videoconference because of adverse weather conditions.
Maj. Gen. J. Wright and Maj. Gen. A. Pocius discussed cooperation between Lithuanian Armed Forces and Pennsylvania Army National Guard to date and prospects of further in NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan.
Lithuanian CHOD also invited members of Pennsylvania Army National Guard to join „Amber Hope" exercise that will be hosted in Lithuania in 2011.
„Despite impeding weather conditions we have achieved all the goals of the visit in USA. We enjoy successful cooperation with the US armed forces - USA supports Lithuania's mission in Afghanistan, training of Lithuanian Special Operations Forces, military training and other sectors. During the visit representatives of the US military command ensured us that active military cooperation will continue into future which we appreciate greatly ", said Maj. Gen. A. Pocius.
Chief of Defence is expected to return to Lithuania on February 11.
