Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas to the Pentagon today.
The leaders discussed the strength of the U.S.-Lithuania defense relationship and ongoing efforts to support Ukraine. They discussed shared security interests in Europe, including NATO's deterrence and defense posture, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The two senior leaders look forward to further cooperation bilaterally and through NATO.
Secretary Austin and Minister Anušauskas exchanged views on Russia's cruel and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Secretary Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and thanked Minister Anušauskas for Lithuania's 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).
Secretary Austin and Minister Anušauskas agreed to continue close cooperation to deepen the bilateral defense and security relationship and prepare for the NATO Summit in Vilnius next July.
