The Forum panels centered around the ongoing conflict in Gaza, war in Ukraine and challenges presented by China, as well as the possible response. Panelists agreed that continued support of the American public, defence industry capabilities and technological advantage, as well as unity of the Allies, were the decisive factors which would ensure the United States was and would remain successful in facing arising security challenges.
According to Minister A. Anušauskas, participants of the Forum kept underscoring the commitment on both sides of the isle to continue the assistance to Ukraine, as well as the ability to find a common ground even amidst the most severe political disagreement.
“Addresses of Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General Charles Brown and other senior officials leave no doubt about the strength of the U.S. leadership and readiness to take the responsibility both in Europe, our region, and the Indo-Pacific – anywhere the autocrats and their supporters need to be pushed back. The United States needs Allies of matching strength and commitment, like Lithuania. Every U.S. official I met emphasized the appreciation of strengthening Lithuania’s defence and the active Lithuanian defence policy, as well as encouragement to stay the course,” said A. Anušauskas.
In his turn, Minister underscored to the officials he met that a continued assistance to Ukraine, timely delivery of U.S. equipment to Lithuania and U.S. forces deployed in our country were critical factors in regional security and Lithuania was united and determined more than ever to work with the Allies and partners to further strengthen defence, deterrence and resilience.
Minister A. Anušauskas had meetings on the margins of the event with the following U.S. officials: Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Armed Services and opposition leader Roger Wicker, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mike Rogers and Vice Chairman, opposition leader Adam Smith, Chairman of the Congressional Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Mike Gallagher member of the House Armed Services Committee Ronny Jackson, formed U.S. Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, former United States Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Kathryn Wheelbarger, cofounder and CEO of Palantir Alex Karp, and other influential U.S. officials and journalists.
The Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF) is one of the foremost annual events of the U.S. security and defence community attended by senior representatives of the U.S .Administration, Members of the Congress, military leaders, representatives of influential media outlets and a few invited guests from abroad, including Lithuania.
