Lithuania and the United States Strengthen Cooperation to Prevent Illicit Trafficking in Nuclear and Other Radioactive Materials
Minister of the Interior Martynas Katelynas and the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Lithuania Kara C. McDonald signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and the Lithuania Ministry of Interior aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries to prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials.
The memorandum will provide a framework for the United States to deliver various forms of cooperation to Lithuania’s statutory internal affairs agencies. The new memorandum will also help build on the existing partnership, facilitate more coordinated action and the exchange of expertise, and strengthen cooperation between Lithuanian and U.S. institutions.
“Amid today’s threats, preventing illicit trafficking and smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive materials is an integral part of both national and international security. These preventive efforts help us protect not only Lithuania, but also Europe as a whole and our allies. I am pleased that our longstanding cooperation with our strategic partner is gaining an even stronger foundation. Lithuania regards the transatlantic partnership as one of the fundamental pillars of our shared security. The United States is, and will remain, one of Lithuania’s most important strategic partners and our closest ally,” said Minister M. Katelynas.
Lithuania safeguards the external borders of the European Union and NATO with Russia and Belarus. The country’s ability to detect potential threats promptly and prevent the movement of dangerous materials is therefore vital to both national and regional security.
Lithuanian institutions have cooperated with the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration for many years. Through this partnership, Lithuanian officers have received advanced radiation detection equipment, participated in associated training and exercises, and enhanced their capacity to detect and prevent the illicit movement of nuclear and other radioactive materials.
Lithuania and the United States will continue to strengthen their security cooperation. During Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027, particular attention will also be devoted to closer cooperation between Europe and the United States in addressing shared security challenges.
During the ceremony, Minister M. Katelynas presented the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania with the First Class Star of Merit of the Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior.
Throughout her tenure as head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Lithuania, Ambassador Kara C. McDonald has made a significant contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Lithuania and the United States, advancing bilateral security cooperation, and promoting democratic values. The US diplomat has paid particular attention to joint efforts to ensure the security of Lithuania and the entire region.
Lukas Balandis/Baltic News Service photo