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“I think that, if anything, we will see more participation from the United States, not less. (…) I basically expect more than it was, ”said the ambassador at a press conference.
According to R. Gilchrist, the cooperation between Lithuania and the US in the field of defense and security is very strong; This is evidenced by the fact that a battalion of American soldiers has been deployed to the country for the third time.
Personal Archive Photo / Robert Gilchrist – United States Ambassador to Lithuania
However, the ambassador could not answer whether an agreement would be reached defining the permanent deployment of the battalion in the country during Biden’s tenure. The program of the Government of Lithuania provides for the search for such a bilateral agreement.
“I think that whether an agreement of this type is reached on the continued presence of troops will depend on how things develop in the future,” he said.
The Ambassador emphasized that the United States is well aware of the security challenges facing the Baltic States and is firmly committed to the security and defense of the region.
“We will always be here in different ways,” said the ambassador.
Relations are not expected to “recharge” with Russia
Gilchrist says that President J. Biden’s team employs people who have a good understanding of security issues in the Baltic countries.
“Security in the region has always been a priority for the United States,” the ambassador said.
I think there will be some cooperation points, but I don’t think that can be called reloading.
According to him, the United States does not plan to “recharge” relations with Russia, but it will be necessary to define mutual relations.
Of course, it will be necessary to define what the bilateral relations will be. “… I think there will be some points of cooperation, but I don’t think it can be called transshipment,” he said.
The ambassador stressed that members of the US presidential administration are in favor of imposing sanctions on Russia for this action against the opposition Alexei Navalna, some of whom have also contributed to the preparation of sanctions for the occupation of Crimea.
Gilchrist says that although Lithuania does not yet have a permanent ambassador in Washington, his voice is heard.
He also promised to make efforts to visit Biden or another high-ranking official in Lithuania.
“I couldn’t be happier if President Biden came here. Of course, it’s still too early to talk about this, because I don’t even have my own direct supervisor; the Senate hasn’t yet approved the United States Secretary of State. But I can promise to do my best, “said the ambassador.
„Reuters“ / „Scanpix“ nuotr./Joe Bidenas
Democrat Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States Wednesday during a solemn ceremony on the steps of the Capitol. He replaced the defeated Donald Trump, who left the White House on Wednesday morning and did not attend the heir’s inauguration.
R. Gilchrist was appointed ambassador to Lithuania a year ago.
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