US and Lithuania defense ministers meet to discuss security interests in Europe

Europe, News, US December 17, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anusauskas at Pentagon on December 15 to discuss Ukraine crisis and European security.

The defense leaders of both countries discussed U.S.-Lithuania defense relationship and ongoing efforts to support Ukraine.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense release, The defense ministers discussed “shared security interests in Europe, including NATO’s deterrence and defense posture, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region”.

The defense leaders of the U.S. and Lithuania agreed to strengthen cooperation bilaterally and through NATO Alliance, the Pentagon release read. Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas told the U.S. defense secretary that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has “rocked the foundations of Europe and the rules-based order.”

Defense Minister Anusauskas stressed the need for unity in opposition to Russia and said that “It is important to maintain our union and solidarity in the face of Russia[‘s] brutal invasion.”

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and thanked the Lithuanian Defense Minister for his substantial contribution to Ukrainian security. Secretary Austin also lauded “Lithuania’s robust defense spending and welcomed Lithuania’s investment in new capabilities like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).”

^{Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stand shoulder to shoulder as the Lithuanian national anthem plays before their Pentagon meeting, on December 15, 2022. (Image Credit: U.S. DoD/JIm Garamone)}

Lithuania will host the NATO Summit next year, in this regard the defense ministers of the U.S. and Lithuania agreed to continue close cooperation to deepen the bilateral defense and security relationship and prepare for the NATO Summit in Vilnius next July.

U.S. Department of Defense release highlighted that Lithuania is providing equipment and training for Ukrainian forces and the Baltic country is also modernizing its own forces.

Secretary Austin stressed during his meeting with the Lithuanian minister that “The United States and our allies and our partners are deeply committed to supporting Ukraine as it resists Russia’s aggression and defends its right to exist.”

Austin further added that this is a crucial time for European security and Russian forces are showing deliberate cruelty against civilians with attacks on civilian infrastructure, however the “Ukrainian people have responded with the incredible courage that the world now knows so well”.