News

On 23 February in Washington, D.C., the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius met with the leadership of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), participated in a discussion at the think tank The Atlantic Council, as well as attended an event to celebrate the Day of Restoration of the State at the Embassy of Lithuania.

In the meeting with the BBG’s Chief Executive Officer and Director John Lansing and the Acting Chairman of the Board Kenneth Weinstein, Linkevičius thanked for a gift to Lithuania – the BBG has donated a transmitter for the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which is used to air programs to Russia and Belarus.

“Lithuania has accumulated extensive experience not only because it became the target of Kremlin-controlled news agencies that disseminate fake news stories, but also owing to the fact that the country has done a lot of work to build public resilience to attacks on information security. We understand very well the importance of independent media’s reach to audiences with alternative opinions. Therefore, we are proud that we are able to contribute to the dissemination of news in the Russian language, reaching to audiences in our eastern neighbours with differing opinions,” said Lithuania’s Foreign Minister.

The meeting with the BBG’s leadership also discussed opportunities to further increase the Eastern European societies’ resilience to propaganda, which is spread by the Russian-controlled media.

On Wednesday in Washington, D.C., Lithuania’s Foreign Minister participated in a discussion at the U.S. think tank The Atlantic Council together with the former United States National Security Advisor, the Chairman of the Scowcroft Centre on International Security General James L. Jones, the Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Damon Wilson, the former Deputy Secretary General of NATO Alexander Vershbow, and other prominent experts.

The interlocutors discussed problems and topical issues related to transatlantic cooperation, emerging regional and global threats, and what could be done to overcome them. They have also paid considerable attention to the new U.S. administration’s foreign policy and priorities. All the experts highly appreciated Lithuania’s commitment to strengthen its national defence capabilities, consistent work to fulfil that pledge, achievements in the field of energy security and a joint fight against terrorism.

The influential experts in international relations pointed out that Lithuania’s large and successful effort to strengthen national and regional security, its strong position toward defending the values of freedom in Europe and determination to reinforce the transatlantic link sent a clear message to Americans that Lithuania was a reliable ally.

The Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, D.C., organised an event to celebrate the Day of Restoration of the State. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister met with representatives of the Lithuanian community in the U.S.

Linkevičius also gave interviews with the Voice of America Russian and Ukrainian services.