“Lithuania and the United States are linked by strong bonds of friendship, common values, mutual respect and support. We especially appreciate the U.S. presence in the region and the permanent stationing of the U.S. forces in Lithuania,” said Linkevičius.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister welcomed an intensive agenda in bilateral relations between Lithuania and the U.S., and emphasized Lithuania’s willingness to continue close cooperation between the allies in the fight against regional and global threats, including cyber threats and hybrid threats, also to reinforce the transatlantic link, to adhere to and uphold the principles of freedom and democracy.
“Lithuania’s strong and secure commitment to further increase defence spending is supported by all political parties and the people of Lithuania,” stressed Lithuania’s Foreign Minister.
The U.S. Secretary of State noted that Lithuania’s contribution in strengthening its own security and, at the same time, security of entire region, was perfectly visible and appreciated in Washington, D.C. Tillerson highlighted Lithuania’s efforts and achievements in the field of energy security, in the provision of assistance to Ukraine, as well as the efficacy of the cooperation with the U.S. in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Tillersonas reaffirmed the willingness of the United States to further strengthen relations with Lithuania. The U.S. Secretary of State underlined the importance of cooperation in the fields of security, economy, energy and cyber security. He also stressed the U.S. robust commitment to NATO and the fight against the Islamic State group.
The U.S. Secretary of State invited Linkevičius to meet in Washington, D.C., in the near future and to attend an anti-ISIS coalition meeting at the ministerial level.
On 1 February, the U.S. Senate confirmed the former CEO of Exxon Mobil oil company as the new Secretary of State. Tillerson was sworn in to become the nation’s 69th Secretary of State on the same day.
