Gabrielius Landsbergis at a meeting with Kurt M. Campbell: “Lithuania and the United States are united by the understanding that the challenges posed by China and other autocracies can only be overcome by acting together”
On 12 September 2024, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis of Lithuania and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met in Vilnius for the fourth round of bilateral strategic dialogue on the Indo-Pacific region.
“Lithuania and the United States are united by a clear understanding that the challenges posed by China and other autocracies can only be overcome by acting together,” Landsbergis said.
The strategic dialogue on the Indo-Pacific region has already become an integral part of the US-Lithuanian bilateral relations agenda. As part of the dialogue, the Foreign Minister noted that it is Europe’s responsibility to support vibrant democracies such as the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, and emphasised the need to expand the circle of like-minded states, and to establish reliable and transparent commercial chains.
During the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and the United States, including transatlantic security.
“In the face of Putin's barbaric devastation of Ukraine, America's promise that anyone who chooses Lithuania as their enemy will become an enemy of the United States remains the strongest deterrent guarantee,” the Foreign Minister said, thanking the US for its continued support and decision to deploy US military forces in Lithuania.
Landsbergis pointed out that the course of the war against Ukraine and the concerted effort of the international community towards the victory of Ukraine serve as important factors in ensuring and maintaining security both in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
“The leadership of the United States of America in providing military and political support to Ukraine fighting the aggressor remains fundamentally important. Undoubtedly, the current military actions near Pokrovka represent a fight not only for the freedom of Ukraine, but for the freedom of the entire democratic world, too. Ukraine's victory must become a strategic priority for all of us,” Landsbergis said.
In discussing the threats posed by Russia and China, Landsbergis and Campbell agreed that China had become one of Russia's most important accomplices in the war against Ukraine.
“It is definitely high time not only to name the dangers posed by the 'boundless friendship' between Russia and China, but also to take action,” the Foreign Minister of Lithuania said.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell is deemed to be the architect of the Indo-Pacific strategy of the current US administration.
Kurt M. Campbell is one of the most experienced U.S. diplomats to have shaped U.S. policy toward China in the administrations of U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. This is already the third bilateral meeting of Landsbergis and Campbell this year. Last time the politicians met during the Foreign Minister’s visit to Washington in July this year.
For the Foreign Minister's statement at the press conference following the bilateral meeting and the strategic dialogue on the Indo-Pacific region please visit:
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