LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT FROM PRESIDENT

UNCLAS VILNIUS 000953 DEPT FOR S/ES-CR, S/ES-O, AND EUR/NB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL OVIP SUBJECT: LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT FROM PRESIDENT ADAMKUS REF: STATE 118192 On Wednesday, November 5, 2008, Post received the following letter from the office of Lithuanian President Valdus Adamkus addressed to Senator Obama, the President-elect. BEGIN TEXT Translation Vilnius, November 5, 2008 Dear Mr. Obama, On behalf of myself and the people of Lithuania, I would like to extend most sincere congratualations to you on winning the United States presidential election and capturing the support of its people. Your victory is significant for the whole of the world that needs strong American leadership to counter the threats of the 21st century. In this fight, transatlantic partnership occupies a special place. I believe that together with the new U.S. administration we will renew and strengthen this partnership where the agendas for energy secuirty and for support to Eastern European democracis play a very significant role. I believe that Lithuania and the entire region will receive sufficient attention from the United States because your country's active engagement in the region has great positive value. This was demonstrated by the strong stand taken by the U.S. Government, you personally and your advisors in the face of Russia's aggression against Georgia. I recall the close focus and consideration given by previous U.S. Democratic administrations to the Baltic States, which found their vivid expression in the US-Baltic Charter of Partnership. I hope that in the near future we will develop a new US-Baltic future action plan to futher enhance our bilateral relations, security and stability in the region. The lasting and strong friendship between Lithuania and the United States of America, mutual support and the protection of common values have always been and will remain an integral part of the relationship between our two countries and their people. I wish you every success in discharging the important, responsible, and challenging duties of your position. /s/ Valdas Adamkus The Honorable Barack Obama The President-elect Washington, D.C. END TEXT CLOUD