The meeting with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman focused on issues pertaining to the security situation in Lithuania and in the region. Landsbergis emphasized that the U.S. commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory was especially important for Lithuania and the presence of the U.S. troops in Lithuania was an effective deterrent against Russia. “When we talk about the response to a revanchist Russia, the U.S. leadership is particularly important in the implementation of the defence strategy in our region,” Landsbergis said.
Landsbergis also shared the results of his last visit to Kyjiv, Ukraine, and pointed out that Russia’s military action caused the risk of a global humanitarian crisis. “Ukraine is one of the world's major food suppliers. Thus, allies and Ukraine have a common interest in continuing trade to ensure that the world's most vulnerable countries do not lack food, grain. We must help Ukraine export its food products by ensuring the safety of Odessa Sea Port,” Landsbergis said.
At the meeting with the U.S. Trade Representative Tai, Landsbergis highlighted the consequences of Russia's war on the stability of international trade and cooperation in multilateral formats to combat illegitimate economic pressure. The meeting also discussed bilateral trade relations between Lithuania and the U.S., and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Ocean region.
During his visit to Washington, D.C., Landsbergis also met with the Deputy National Security Advisor Finer and discussed preparations for the next NATO summit in Madrid, Spain. The Foreign Minister noted that Lithuania expected ambitious decisions regarding the reinforcement of defence on NATO’s eastern flank.
On 10 May, Landsbergis will meet with the U.S. Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the National Security Council Kurt Campbell and will attend the Munich Leaders Meeting, which is hosted by the Munich Security Conference. Landsbergis will open an opening session on transatlantic defence cooperation.
