Meeting with U.S. Ambassador, Prime Minister highlights United States’ crucial role in regional security
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė met with the Ambassador of the United States of America, Kara C. McDonald to discuss the strategic partnership between the two countries and the U.S. role in helping to ensure the security of the region.
“The United States’ contribution to our regional security is truly immense—as is our gratitude for it. We are increasing our defence spending and doing everything we can to make sure that every soldier stationed here—Lithuanian and allied, including American—has the best possible conditions here. We highly value the U.S. presence in our region; it is the strongest proof of commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory and the most effective deterrent to Russia, whose growing aggression we continue to witness,” said Ms. Ruginienė.
Next year, Lithuania will allocate 5.38% of its GDP to defence, remaining among the leaders in defence spending across the NATO alliance.
Lithuania is open to even closer cooperation with the United States—particularly in the defence industry, high value-added sectors, and energy. These areas have long reflected the strength and vitality of the countries’ strategic partnership, according to the Prime Minister.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of continued support for Ukraine and the key role of the United States in helping achieve a lasting and just peace in Europe.
