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Gitanas Nausėda: The U.S. remains the main guarantor of security in our region

President of the Republic of Lithuania

September 17, 2024

On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda visited United States troops serving in Lithuania at the General Silvestras Žukauskas Central Training Area in Pabradė.

The President inspected the infrastructure used by the troops, was briefed on the support provided by Lithuania as the host country and its plans, and observed Abrams tanks of the U.S. battalion in firing exercises.

During his meeting with U.S. Ambassador Kara C. McDonald, Lithuania's Chief of Defense General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, and the leadership of the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense, Lithuanian-U.S. strategic defense cooperation, ongoing plans and interoperability with the Lithuanian Armed Forces were reviewed. The situation of the U.S. military forces in the region, military cooperation between Lithuania and the Pennsylvania National Guard, and its prospects, as well as options for establishing a Lithuanian National Division were also discussed.

According to the President, the United States of America remains the main guarantor of security in our region. "Our goal is a continued uninterrupted presence of United States combat forces in Lithuania," he said. The President emphasized that the presence of American troops and their weaponry significantly contributes to strengthening security and deterrence in Lithuania and across the eastern flank. This is a key element in the development of transatlantic relations, which are strategically important for reinforcing the security architecture and ensuring a world order based on international law and values.

The President underlined that the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania in no way diminishes the significance of the U.S. military presence. Building military infrastructure at the Rūdnininkai training ground will contribute to better meeting the training needs of Lithuania and its allies, including the U.S. training needs at the Pabradė training area. According to the President, upgraded infrastructure will soon be available for U.S. troops in Pabradė with plans to accommodate around 1,000 servicemen.

The President highlighted the importance of procuring more weapons at a faster pace from the U.S. "In recent years, Lithuania's arms purchases from the U.S. have increased, as has our need for their secure, uninterrupted and rapid delivery, including supplies to allied forces in Lithuania. We would like to buy more and faster," the President said.

Gitanas Nausėda thanked the American allies for smooth and efficient cooperation and expressed hope that the presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania will continue irrespective of the outcome of the American presidential elections.

The President's Communication Group