Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Lithuanian Minister of National Defense, Arvydas Anušauskas, at the Pentagon today. The two leaders discussed a range of regional and bilateral issues, including the importance of continuing Alliance unity and countering Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The two leaders also discussed strengthening NATO's credible deterrence and defense capabilities; cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region; and the need for increased defense production to continue supporting Ukraine, to replenish Allied munitions and equipment stocks, and to meet the increased requirements of the defense plans adopted at the Vilnius Summit.
Minister Anušauskas underlined Lithuania's commitment to further boost defense spending beyond 2.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product, to defense modernization, and to setting a new baseline for host nation support for Allied forces.
The Secretary praised Lithuania's steadfast commitment and many contributions to the Alliance and efforts to ensure the security of NATO and its Eastern Flank.
Secretary Austin and Minister Anušauskas committed to continuing to work closely together in the lead up to the 75th anniversary NATO Summit in July in Washington, D.C.