Lithuanian minister thanks Trump and backs permanent US base

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas thanked US President Donald Trump for his approach to Lithuania and said he would work to bring a permanent US military base to the country, LRT reported.

Kaunas said Trump had taken a “rational and objective” view of Lithuania and its efforts to strengthen security in the country and the region. He added that the president recognised Lithuania’s investments and commitment to security.

Trump said the United States would consider the idea of establishing a permanent military base in Lithuania and described Lithuanians as “great people”. Kaunas said he had also proposed a permanent base to US officials during a visit to the United States in late September.

“We will make every effort to ensure the idea is genuinely considered and decisions are made,” Kaunas said. He called Trump’s remarks a positive signal but stressed that no decisions had been taken.

US troops have been rotating in Lithuania since 2014. After the United States reviewed its military presence in Europe this summer, just over 100 US troops remained in the country. In late September, it was announced that two battalions, numbering more than 1,000 troops in total, would arrive in Lithuania in late October. US troops rotate in the country every nine months.