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On 27 February, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Darius Skusevičius met with the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Kathleen Kavalec, who is visiting Vilnius. Kavalec is responsible for coordination of relations with Russia and shaping policy toward Russia. The meeting discussed important issues of bilateral relations between Lithuania and the U.S.A., the current security situation in the region and the world. The officials also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and policy toward Russia.

“Lithuania highly appreciates coherent support of the United States, particularly in the implementation of security measures in the Baltic region and further strengthening strategic relations with Lithuania,” said Skusevičius.

In the meeting, Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister stressed Lithuania’s determination to continue close cooperation with the U.S. in the fight against regional and global threats, including the threat posed by Russia. Skusevičius said that Lithuania was firmly committed to continuing to strengthen its national defence capabilities and to increase defence spending.

The U.S. official noted that currently the new administration was reviewing the U.S. policy toward Russia, but major changes in the U.S.-Russia relations were not expected. However, the new administration will dedicate significant attention to the implementation of the Minsk agreements and to the resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Kavalec is a career diplomat. Previously, she was as the Deputy Chief of Mission and Deputy Permanent Delegate at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Prior to that, she served in the U.S. embassies in Ukraine, Russia, Romania and Brazil.

While visiting Europe, the U.S. official also toured Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom.

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