US Defense Secretary describes Lithuania as a “beacon of democracy”

 

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said the United States and Lithuania will continue to work together to strengthen the armed forces of this Baltic country.

According to Austin, Lithuania is considered a “beacon of democracy” in the region.

He pointed out that Washington stands in solidarity with Vilnius. The Secretary of Defense of the United States also spoke about the signing of a joint agreement on defense supplies between the two countries to improve conditions for the purchase of defense assets and increase interaction between their armed forces.

In addition, Austin referred to the “challenges” facing Lithuania. Among them are Belarus’s “use” of immigrants against Lithuania and its neighbors, the “hybrid campaign” from Russia, and the increasing “pressure” on Lithuania from China.

Austin added that Vilnius does not face these “challenges” alone.