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On 6 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, D.C.

The heads of the Lithuanian and American diplomacy discussed the most immediate needs and a long-term perspective of providing support to Ukraine, the reinforcement of NATO’s eastern flank, energy security issues, the transatlantic response to China’s political and economic coercion, as well as preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. 

“As NATO’s meeting in Vilnius is approaching, it is crucial to discuss possible outcomes of the summit with our strategic partners and friends and agree on ways to boost the practical and political partnership between NATO-Ukraine and further reinforce the security of the eastern flank. Even with the winds of anxiety and uncertainty blowing, we must focus on our transatlantic efforts for Ukraine’s victory and our region’s security,” Landsbergis said after the meeting with Blinken. 

Following their meeting, the heads of the Lithuanian and U.S. diplomacy issued a joint statement on the directions of transatlantic cooperation. 

“Secretary Blinken expressed appreciation for Lithuania’s ongoing leadership on building resilience to authoritarian coercion,” reads the joint statement by Landsbergis and Blinken. 

The two leaders underscored the importance of close cooperation in maintaining a rules-based international order and countering China’s pressure. 

It was the third meeting of the Lithuanian Foreign Minister with the Secretary of State Blinken in two years. The second bilateral meeting between the heads of the Lithuanian and U.S. diplomacy took place in Vilnius precisely a year ago, on 7 March 2022. 

For the full text of the joint statement, please click here: Joint Statement by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis - United States Department of State

Photos: The U.S. Department of State