Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Landsbergis, in a meeting with the U.S. Senate delegation: “Lithuania is investing more and more in its own and NATO security, but the U.S.’s role in the region remains irreplaceable”
On 23 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with a delegation led by the Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray.. The meeting discussed the security issues of Lithuania and the region, preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July and the goal of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
“We highly appreciate the U.S. contribution to the security of our region and our country,” the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy said during the meeting with the representatives of the U.S. Senate.
“Today, Lithuania is no longer just a security consumer. We contribute significantly to the provision of support for Ukraine, we are increasing the national defence budget, and we are investing in military infrastructure. We hope that the U.S. troops in Lithuania will remain permanently and contribute to deterrence and defence on the eastern flank – due to the aggressive actions of Russia and neighbouring Belarus, threats in our region are only increasing,” Landsbergis said.
The Foreign Minister also stressed the need to continue the provision of military aid to Ukraine until the country had won the battlefield, urged the United States to support Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership. “The future of the rules-based global order is decided in Ukraine. To ensure the security of the transatlantic community, we need to provide Ukraine with security guarantees under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty and keep the promise made in 2008 by providing a clear path to NATO membership,” Landsbergis said.
The meeting also discussed cooperation between Lithuania and the U.S. in countering threats posed by Russia, disinformation and energy security issues. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister thanked the members of the Congress for their support to Lithuania and the Baltic states in developing military capabilities and the U.S. troops for their permanent presence in Lithuania.
The Senators thanked Lithuania for its principled position and leadership on democracy support issues.
Senator Patty Murray came to Lithuania with Senators Lisa Murkowski and Catherine Cortez-Masto.
Photos: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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