PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania’s adjutant general met with the president of Lithuania July 2 to continue to develop a partnership of almost three decades.
Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler met with President Gitanas Nauseda at the First Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry Armory.
The Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuania have been partners through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 1993.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to meet with President Nauseda to discuss our accomplishments and continued partnership,” Schindler said. “During our 29-year relationship, we have built a special bond comprised of reciprocal trust, respect and gratitude. I look forward to the future and the opportunities for further growth as we continue to support one another.”
Nauseda said he appreciates the cooperation between the Lithuanian army and the Pennsylvania National Guard.
“Transatlantic cooperation is important for the security of Lithuania and the whole of Europe,” Nauseda tweeted.
Schindler and Nauseda were joined for the meeting by officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
In addition to discussing the success of their long partnership, the contingent also talked about economic cooperation — a vital component of the SPP, according to David Briel, deputy secretary of DCED’s Office of International Business Development.
“The State Partnership Program is an important factor to the security of both Lithuania and Pennsylvania,” Briel said. “Its impact goes far beyond defense and security. It helps to promote economic, educational and cultural exchanges that increase the visibility of Pennsylvania in Lithuania, which is an excellent gateway to the larger EU (European Union) marketplace.”
While in Philadelphia, Nauseda attended the annual Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, met with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, toured Independence Hall and visited the memorial home of Tadas Kosciuska, Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Since the partnership between the Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuania began, the two sides have taken part in over 730 engagements, including senior leader engagements, subject matter expert exchanges, familiarization visits and cooperative training and exercises.