Lithuanian minister attended defense forum in US, met with senators

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas took part in a defense forum and met with members of the Senate during his visit to the United States, his ministry said on Monday. 

Anusauskas and top US security and defense officials discussed key existing challenges to the global security agenda at the Ronald Reagan National Defense Forum. The forum focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the war in Ukraine and the challenges and possible responses posed by China.

"Participants agreed that the continued support of US citizens, the capabilities and technological superiority of the defense industry, and rallying allies are key to enabling the US to meet the emerging security challenges now and in the future," the statement said.

Forum participants repeatedly underlined the will of both political parties to continue providing American support to Ukraine and the ability to come to an agreement, even in the context of major political disagreements, Anusauskas said.

"The US needs allies as strong and as committed as Lithuania. From all the US officials I met, I heard an appreciation of Lithuania's defense strengthening and active defense policy, and a strong call to keep up the momentum and to continue the work that has been started," Anusauskas said.

On the sidelines of the forum, the minister had separate meetings with a number of representatives of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Anusauskas also met with former US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, former US Secretary of the US Army Ryan McCarthy, Lockheed Martin Vice President Kathryn Wheelbarger, Palantir founder and CEO Alex Karp and other influential US officials and journalists.