Baltic defense ministers to visit US, meet with defense secretary

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene and her Baltic counterparts are heading to the United States, where they are scheduled to meet with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Friday.

The meeting will focus on regional security, opportunities for defense cooperation with the United States, and continued support for Ukraine, with special attention given to the presence of US forces in Europe, the region and Lithuania, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said in a press release on Thursday.

"Lithuania sees the presence of US forces in our country and the region as a cornerstone of our security. What matters to us is not only their presence but also active cooperation," it quoted Sakaliene as saying.

"Lithuania is doing its homework - we are increasing defense spending at the fastest pace in NATO and plan to allocate 5.25 percent of GDP for this purpose next year. We are also investing in combat capabilities and infrastructure, and building a national division," the minister said.

"Today, contracts with the US already account for 20 percent of our defense procurement," she added.

At the meeting, Sakaliene will present Lithuania's progress in developing infrastructure for allied troops, including those from the US, as well as plans to expand defense capabilities and modernize the armed forces. She will also outline opportunities for cooperation in the defense industry.

The minister will thank the US administration for its 2019 decision to station a battalion-sized unit in Lithuania on a permanent basis.

"The presence of US troops in Lithuania sends a clear message to the Kremlin," the ministry said.