(above photo by Gatis Bergmanis, Official Photographer, Office of President Zatlers) On April 24 President Valdis Zatlers met with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney at the White House. Earlier in the day President Zatlers, along with Minister of Defense Vinets Veldre met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon. At the White House meeting President Zatlers assured the United States of Latvia's readiness to continue active and responsible cooperation in international peace-keeping operations. During the meeting, the mission of the armed forces in Afghanistan was discussed. Latvia's president emphasized the need to develop interaction between the civilian and military missions in order to secure stabilization in the country. The government officials discussed the results of the NATO summit in Bucharest and further actions that need to be taken by the allies in supporting Ukraine and Georgia in the process of reforms. "The end document of the summit has to be taken in serious consideration and, it states that Ukraine and Georgia are welcome to the NATO. However, unfortunately, the best moment for assigning the NATO action plan, was missed. Therefore, remembering our own county's experience on the way to the NATO, we are ready to provide Georgia with all necessary support, including ensuring a democratic process of elections so that both countries could receive the long-awaited action plan already in December," stated President Zatlers. The political processes in Russia were also discussed. During the meeting both officials expressed high appreciation of the work that has been accomplished in the process of introducing the Visa Waiver Program between Latvia and the U.S, as well as discussed further actions that need to be taken to eradicate the remaining technical obstacles. Future economic cooperation between Latvia and the U.S. was discussed in a conversation with Vice President Dick Cheney, paying special attention to energy issues. "The knowledge and experience of the U.S. experts in the fields of diversification of power sources and using alternative energies, will soon be very much needed in Latvia," stated Latvia's president. At the conclusion of the meeting President Zatlers expressed appreciation for the achievements of the last eight years in strengthening bilateral relations between Latvia and the U.S. In the meeting at the Pentagon with Defense Minister Robert Gates, President Zatlers and Minister of Defense Vinets Veldre discussed cooperation in international missions between the armed forces of both countries. President Zatlers reaffirmed that the international mission in Afghanistan remains a priority for Latvia's National Armed Forces.