The Prime Minister has pointed out that the strategic partnership with the US is Lithuania’s foreign policy priority, and welcomed the current close cooperation, thanking the United States for their continued support and the strategic partnership.
‘US leadership has remained a prerequisite for maintaining a world order created post-World War II, ensuring peace and prosperity through the rule of law. It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of the transatlantic unity. There are no doubts whatsoever about NATO as a solid and credible alliance. We know, with whom we have business, and any internal doubts would be taken advantage of. Nor do we doubt in NATO solidarity’, said Saulius Skvernelis.
Much attention in the meeting has been paid to the security situation in the region. According to the Head of Government, security remains one of the most important priorities of Lithuania, and the related spending this year will reach 2 per cent of GDP. The Prime Minister has thanked the US for the support in developing defence capabilities in the region, as Lithuania seeks for the permanent presence of US forces in the region.
Joint security and defence projects and support for Ukraine and Sakartvelo as they head towards the Euroatlantic organisations have been discussed at the meeting too.
On economy, the Prime Minister has assured that Lithuania is a safe place for US business, emphasised the importance of the US in supplying liquefied natural gas to the European market, mentioning Lithuania’s achievements in this regard - we are one of the first importers of liquefied natural gas in Europe through the Klaipėda terminal, which can be followed suit all across the EU.
Lithuania is ready to step up its cooperation with the United States in defence and security, energy security, business and trade, research and youth exchanges.
The Congress members have thanked Lithuania for its contribution to the international operations and the leadership in keeping with NATO’s commitments.
