T. Valys at the meeting with the U.S. Ambassador: "We stand ready to join the supply chains of US defence companies"
Minister of Finance Taurimas Valys in today’s meeting with the Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) to Lithuania Kara C. McDonald stressed that close relations between Lithuania and the United States of America and strong transatlantic ties remain the basis for strengthening our security and defence.
"We are grateful to the US for its continued strategic partnership and are delighted to see more and more opportunities for further defence industrial cooperation," T. Valys said at the meeting.
The Minister highlighted that Lithuania is the largest US arms buyer among the Baltic States, making one fifth of its defence purchases from the US (almost USD 2 billion in total). According to the Minister, in order to make purchases from the US faster and smoother, Lithuania is ready to join the supply chains of US companies.
At the meeting with the Ambassador, the Minister assured that Lithuania is determined to continue to consistently increase funding for national defence and strengthen the country's defence capabilities. "Lithuania understands the US call for Europe to take greater responsibility for its security and not only invests in the defence industry but also spends a record 5.4% of GDP for defence expenditure", T. Valys stressed. At the beginning of last year, the State Defence Council decided to maintain a similar percentage (about 5.5% of GDP) of defence spending until 2030.
Lithuania's continued support to Ukraine, underlining its determination to continue providing financial and military assistance to the country in its fight against Russian aggression, was also discussed at the meeting. Moreover, the Minister stressed the need to tighten sanctions against Russia in order to reduce its ability to continue the war.
Participants of the meeting also discussed opportunities to develop economic cooperation between Lithuania and the USA, with a special focus on the financial markets sector and investment promotion. “Lithuania appreciates the strong strategic partnership with the US and is looking for even closer cooperation in both security and economic areas,” the Minister of Finance assured.
Last updated: 11-08-2026
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