The President underlined that for more than a century, strong partnership ties between Lithuania and the United States as well as close people-to-people contacts between the two countries have testified to their commitment to the values of freedom and democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. According to Gitanas Nausėda, the strategic partnership with the United States has always been and will continue to be a key priority of Lithuania’s foreign policy and a pillar of its statehood.
“I highly value the strong commitment of the United States to defend every inch of NATO territory, and I can assure you that the presence of U.S. forces in the Baltic States is of paramount importance for reinforcing deterrence against Russia and the security of the entire region. Lithuania takes its commitment to NATO very seriously, spending 2.5% of GDP on defense. As Russia continues its war of aggression, our country stands as an active provider of wide-ranging support to Ukraine, which is fighting for its freedom and the democratic values of the Western world,” the message of congratulations reads.
President Gitanas Nausėda also pointed out that strong U.S. leadership in the face of Russia’s war against Ukraine is critical to bringing peace back to Europe. “I appreciate the consistent military, financial and humanitarian assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine. It is my firm belief that integrating Ukraine into Euro-Atlantic security structures is our shared interest,” the President wrote in his message of congratulations.
The Lithuanian leader wished the U.S. President and all Americans continued unity, prosperity and every success, and noted that he looks forward to hosting the U.S. President in Vilnius at the NATO Summit very soon.
