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On 22 February in Washington, D.C., the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius met with the Executive Director of The McCain Institute for International Leadership Kurt Volker, the Senior Director of The McCain Institute for Human Right and Democracy David Kramer, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Paula Dobriansky, and the President of the Project on Transitional Democracies Bruce Jackson, and participated in a round table discussion at Woodrow Wilson Centre’s Kennan Institute.

In the meetings and discussions, the officials discussed important items on the transatlantic agenda and topics on bilateral relations between Lithuania and the U.S.A., foreign policy priorities of the new U.S. administration, and the fight against emerging regional and global threats. Considerable attention was given to security challenges in Europe caused by gross violations of international law by Russia and Russia’s aggressive actions against its neighbours.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister underscored Lithuania’s commitment to strengthen its national defence capabilities, participation in the international coalition against terrorism, efforts to strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance and transatlantic cooperation, as well as turning the country’s attention to cyber security.

“Adapting to a changed security environment means even greater responsibility of all the allies in strengthening security and the transatlantic link. Lithuania decidedly started to modernize its army, increased its rapid reaction force, defence spending and next year will fulfil its commitment to devote 2 percent of its GDP to defence spending,” said Linkevičius.

“We understand that security is indivisible, so today we strongly support Ukraine, as this country defends not only its own freedom, but also the freedom of Europe as a whole,” noted Lithuania’s Foreign Minister.

The heads of non-governmental expert organizations highly appreciated the contribution of Lithuania to European security and its defence homework.

“Your steps towards strengthening security in Lithuania and in the entire region, and your important role in providing all possible assistance to Ukraine is visible and highly valued in Washington, D.C.,” pointed out the well-known experts and NGO leaders.

In Washington, D.C., Lithuania’s Foreign Minister today will also give interviews with Reuters and Newsmax TV.

On 20-24 October, Linkevičius is visiting the United States. This is his first journey across the Atlantic Ocean after the President Trump’s administration began to work.

Photo: The discussion at Woodrow Wilson Centre’s Kennan Institute.