“The Russian aggression needs to be stopped. Our friendship with the U.S. is the best deterrence there can be against any malicious activities conducted by Russia in the region,” says Ministers of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas who met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Washington Monday. In his turn, the Pentagon chief reaffirmed to Minister that “for decades, U.S. and Lithuanian service members have stood shoulder to shoulder against common threats and adversaries, working together to advance our shared interests and values. And today, the United States again stands with Lithuania and we’ll keep working together.”
The Belarusian and Russian actions near the Lithuanian and Ukrainian borders that destabilize the security situation, U.S. military presence on the soil in Lithuania, and opportunities to keep deepening the long-time defence cooperation between the two countries have been discussed at the meeting.
“We seek for a permanent United States military presence in Lithuania as this is a crucial deterrent against Russia. We also want to cooperate with the United States closely in the field of cyber-defence and to participate in joint operations,” said A. Anušauskas.
Secretary Lloud Austin commended Lithuania for its principled leadership in supporting and defending the democratic values, and thanked Minister A. Anušauskas for providing excellent training and support to U.S. rotational forces in Lithuania.
Minister A. Anušauskas also met with Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Force Development Christine Wormuth Monday. He stressed at the meeting that cooperation with the U.S. Army was seen as the main security guarantee in Lithuania.
A. Anušauskas is conducting a visit to the United States on December 11-17, he will also meet with Adjutant General of Pennsylvania Major General Mark Schindler, and members of the Congress Adam Smith, Dianne Feinstein and Jim Inhofe.
Photo credits: Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States
