OREANDA-NEWS.  January 17, 2012.  This week, Lithuanian delegation headed by Transport Minister Eligijus Masiulis, is visiting the United States of America, the Transport Ministry said in a statement. During the visit the delegation will meet government officials and business representatives regarding the cooperation of Lithuanian and US seaports, transit of NATO cargo and possible participation of US companies in the construction of Klaipeda deep-water seaport.

"The main purpose of our visit is to increase US and NATO cargo flows at Klaipeda Seaport. Last year we have already hosted a few ally ships transporting cargo to Afghanistan. We wish that the there were much more of them", said Minister Masiulis.

NATO cargo is unloaded in Klaipeda Seaport and afterwards transported to Afghanistan by rail. In this regard Lithuanian delegation will meet with officials of the United States Department of Defence and USTRANSCOM, as well as with representatives of cargo transportation companies, writes LETA/ELTA.

The minister will visit the seaports of Virginia and Philadelphia. Cooperation of these ports with Klaipeda State Seaport Authority will be discussed during the visits and it is planned to sign a memorandum of mutual understanding.