VILNIUS, Lithuania (CHATNEWSTV) — Kęstutis Budrys assumed the role of Lithuania’s Foreign Minister on Thursday, taking the oath of office at the Seimas (parliament) and committing to strengthening national and regional security while fostering strategic partnerships abroad.
“Security is Lithuania’s top priority. We will focus our foreign policy and diplomatic tools on it,” Budrys said in his inaugural remarks. “We will actively work with allies and partners to achieve stability and democracy in Europe and its neighborhood. Lithuania’s voice in the world will remain loud and clear.”
Budrys emphasized Lithuania’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, vowing to mobilize international allies to maintain uninterrupted assistance. “It is crucial to send a clear message to Ukraine: Lithuania will continue to provide all possible assistance,” he said.
Before his appointment as Foreign Minister, Budrys served as Chief National Security Adviser to President Gitanas Nausėda and previously held roles as Deputy Director of the State Security Department and National Security Adviser to former President Dalia Grybauskaitė.
Budrys holds a master’s degree in political science from the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University. As he begins his tenure, he aims to enhance Lithuania’s diplomatic influence and ensure its voice remains prominent on the global stage.
Editor: Gabriel Ani