U.S. President Barack Obama called his Lithuanian counterpart Valdas Adamkus Tuesday for discussion of a range of issues of common concern, the White House said Wednesdays.

"The two presidents discussed a range of issues of common concern, including NATO issues and our shared commitment to collective defense," said the White House in a statement.

President Obama expressed appreciation to President Adamkus for "Lithuania's important contributions to alliance operations and affirmed the commitment of the United States to Lithuania's security," said the statement.

The United States has close relations with Lithuania since 1998when the U.S.-Baltic Charter of Partnership was signed, under which the United States has commitment to ensure independence, security and development of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

Lithuania, who joined the EU and the U.S.-led NATO in 2004, has been a staunch U.S. supporter for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Source: Xinhua