According to the President, Lithuania has always felt the U.S. Congress’s strong support for the Baltic States and a clear understanding of our regional threats. High-principled position of the U.S. Congress on sanctions against Russia, EU energy independence, the rebuff to propaganda and cyber-attacks is a contribution to Lithuania’s security.
With the military exercises “Zapad” approaching, the U.S. unfailingly implements its defense related commitments. American troops and equipment are deployed in Lithuania while NATO air policing mission is enhanced with additional U.S. fighters. In autumn, U.S. navy ships are expected in the Baltic Sea.
Nevertheless, according to the President, “Zapad” has already begun in the virtual and information space. With Lithuania and the entire region being subjected to cyber-attacks and provocations, a closer cooperation in countering hybrid threats is paramount. Therefore, the support, expressed by the U.S. Congress in fighting against hostile propaganda in Europe is valuable and highly important.
At the meeting, the matters of EU energy security were discussed. The President underscored that the focus of the U.S. on the threats posed by the Astravyets nuclear power plant was paramount for the security of Lithuania and that of the entire Europe. When the U.S. began exporting liquefied natural gas to Europe, the Lithuanian LNG terminal became a regional gateway to American gas. According to the President, American natural gas change the rules of the game in the European gas market. This is an opportunity for Europe to get rid of dependence on “Gazprom” and to ensure safe, competitive and diversified supply.
Members of the Congress Doug Lamborn, John Shimkus, Steve Cohen, Andy Barr and Earl Carter who are on a visit to Lithuania are members of the House Baltic Caucus of the House of Representatives. The aim of the Caucus is to deepen cooperation between the U.S. and Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. In this Congress, the House Baltic Caucus is comprised of as many as 69 members of the House of Representatives.
