The following statement was released by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
On September 12, 2024, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis of Lithuania met in Vilnius for the 4th U.S.-Lithuania Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific. The Strategic Dialogue highlighted the critical role of the Indo-Pacific and the shared interest in strengthening bilateral partnership, democratic values, and long-term relationships with like-minded countries. Recognizing that the threats and challenges faced in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are interconnected, Deputy Secretary Campbell and Foreign Minister Landsbergis reiterated their commitment to exchanging expertise and furthering cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific. They emphasized the importance of cooperation between NATO and its partners in practical areas such as supporting Ukraine, cyber defense, countering foreign disinformation, and technology.
The two sides expressed unwavering support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and discussed the roles that China (PRC), North Korea (DPRK), and Iran play in enabling Russia’s continuing aggression through multi-faceted support for its defense industrial base. They also addressed the threat posed by sustained PRC malicious cyber activities to transatlantic security. The deepening strategic partnership between Russia and China, along with their attempts to reshape the rules-based international order, remains a profound concern. Both leaders condemned Russia’s hybrid attacks against Allies and agreed to work closely to address them.
They strongly condemned North Korea's continued export of arms to Russia and Russia’s use of DPRK ballistic missiles against Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Campbell commended Lithuania’s resolve in resisting unjustified PRC political and economic pressure while both parties welcomed Lithuania’s efforts to strengthen its economic partnership with Taiwan.
The dialogue also covered concerns regarding China's provocative activities in the South China Sea. Both sides underscored maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait while opposing any unilateral attempt to change its status quo by force or coercion.
Deputy Secretary Campbell and Foreign Minister Landsbergis look forward to continuing effective U.S.-Lithuania Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific.
