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Speech by President Gitanas Nausėda on the occasion of the visit of U.S. President Joe Biden to Lithuania

President of the Republic of Lithuania

July 12, 2023

Dear Fellow People of Lithuania,

Ninety years ago, Lithuanian aviators Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas undertook a flight to symbolically connect New York and Kaunas, the United States and Lithuania, the New and the Old Worlds.

Today, the vast space from Washington to Vilnius is integrated politically, economically and by shared values. It is also united by the unbreakable bonds of collective defense and security, as we once again witnessed during the NATO Summit in Vilnius.

None of this would be possible without the inspiring leadership of the United States. It would not be possible without the ideas, resources and tremendous efforts of our American friends.

And today, as Russia's brutal military aggression threatens to trample democracy and the free self-determination of nations in our region, the United States does not stand aside. America's presence in Lithuania strengthens our security. America's assistance to Ukraine strengthens its ability to resist the occupier.

We are primarily responsible for our defense ourselves. However, the active engagement of the United States allows us to mitigate long-term threats we know all too well from history.

Together with the United States, we are more confident about our tomorrow. And in creating that tomorrow, we often build on the American example.

It is not by chance that Lithuanian Americans have left such a vivid imprint on Lithuanian history - not only Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas, mentioned earlier, but also the hero of freedom fights, Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas, basketball player Pranas Lubinas, artists Jonas Mekas and Jurgis Mačiūnas, and many others. Together and in their own unique ways, they created and continue to create the Lithuanian dream.

And to this day, American energy and courage to act and pursue set goals continue to flow into the fabric of our shared life. Throughout the ages, ever since Tadas Kosciuszko, who grew up in the spirit of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the people of Lithuania too have added to the life force of the United States with their unquenchable thirst for freedom and many talents.

Today, in this square, we are undoubtedly creating a historic event that will further strengthen the friendship between Lithuania and the United States.

It is truly gratifying that the 46th President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, is visiting Lithuania as we celebrate the centenary of our bilateral diplomatic relations.

We welcome him not only as the leader of another state. We welcome him with open hearts and open arms as a close friend and ally.

Over the years, we observed his tireless work for freedom with the utmost respect.

Today, President Joe Biden is here with us, and we have an excellent opportunity to thank him and all the people of the United States.

May the bonds of friendship between our two countries endure for centuries. And may God bless Lithuania and the United States!

Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania