The following news release has been republished here courtesy of the Ministry of National Defence of Republic of Lithuania

March 15, Chief of Defence of Lithuania Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius left for Afghanistan to meet with the Lithuanian-led PRT-10, to discuss course of the multinational operation with ISAF representatives, and meet with representatives of provincial administration of Ghowr. Lithuanian CHOD will also deliver to deployed peacekeepers Easter gifts from home.

Chief of Defence of Lithuania Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius is accompanied by Head of the Public Security Service under the Ministry of the Interior Interior Service General Sergejus Madalovas and Head of Operations Board of the Joint Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Lt. Col. Algirdas Norkus.

During the visit Lithuanian leading officers and representatives of Ghowr administration will discuss the possibility to support training of local police forces by establishing a joint Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (P-OMLT) of Lithuania and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

“National defence forces are better experienced in military operations, they are capable of reacting to operational alternations and arising demands with less time outgo, have predefined operational planning procedures ready for planning a new mission. By sharing knowledge and experience with security forces of Ghowr province we seek to help them become independent as soon as possible and could conduct their duties with professionalism”, said Chief of Defence of Lithuania Maj. Gen. A. Pocius.

Lithuanian CHOD is expected to end the visit in Afghanistan by the end of the running week.