News

On 30 January, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis had a meeting with Jose W. Fernandez, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment where they discussed China’s illegal economic pressure on Lithuania and further possibilities of expanding and deepening economic relations between Lithuania and the USA, with particular focus on joint investment projects in laser, semiconductor, biotechnologies, and renewable energy sectors.

“We permanently feel US strong political and practical support in our dispute with China over its systemic violations of international trade rules. I was reassured that Washington will work with its allies to help Lithuania counter such Chinese politically motivated actions of economic coercion. We see new opportunities opening for Lithuanian businesses in new markets and new sectors, and the US is offering its expert support so we can use them in a more effective way,” Minister Landsbergis said.

The security situation in Europe was also discussed at the meeting. Mr Minister noted that while Russia was amassing military forces at the Ukrainian border, Belarus included, Western countries should be ready for various tension de-escalation scenarios. “We highly value the US role in efforts to keep diplomatic dialogue with Russia open. At the same time, Lithuania with its allies is coordinating for stronger deterrence and additional support to Ukraine. I am convinced that Western unity will withstand attempts to create so-called ‘influence zones’ in nowadays Europe,” Gabrielius Landsbergis said.

Photo credits: Laura Stepanauskaitė