U.S. Relations With Lithuania
More information about Lithuania is available on the Lithuania Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-LITHUANIA RELATIONS
The U.S. and Lithuania share a history as valued allies and strong partners. The United States established diplomatic relations with Lithuania in 1922, following its declaration of independence during World War I. Lithuania was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 during World War II. In 1990, Lithuania proclaimed its renewed independence, and international recognition followed. The United States never recognized the forcible incorporation of Lithuania into the Soviet Union, and it views the present Government of Lithuania as the legal continuation of the interwar republic.
Since Lithuania regained its independence, the United States has worked closely with the country to help it rebuild its democratic institutions and a market economy. The U.S. welcomed Lithuania's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) in 2004. As a NATO Ally and EU member, Lithuania has become a strong, effective partner committed to democratic principles and values. The country is a strong supporter of U.S. objectives in the area of democracy promotion and has helped the people of other young European nations develop and strengthen civil institutions.
U.S. Assistance to Lithuania
In FY 2015, the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI) is providing approximately $1 billion in Department of State and Defense assistance to enhance defense posture in Europe by increasing bilateral and NATO assurance activities. As part of ERI in FY 2015, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia will receive a total of $100 million to build defense capacity. This is in addition to other forms of Department of State and Defense security assistance (Foreign Military Financing, International Military Education and Training, Section 2282) Lithuania receives.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Among the fastest growing EU economies, Lithuania is a relatively small but potentially attractive market for U.S. goods and services. Steps undertaken during the country's accession to the EU and NATO helped improve its legal, tax, and customs systems, which aided economic and commercial sector development. The United States and Lithuania have signed an agreement on bilateral trade and intellectual property protection and a bilateral investment treaty. Lithuania participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
Lithuania's Membership in International Organizations
Lithuania and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Lithuania began a two-year tenure on the UN Security Council in January 2014, chairing the Council’s CAR Sanctions Committee and the Counterterrorism Committee. It has also begun the accession process to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania is Deborah McCarthy; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Lithuania maintains an embassy in the United States at 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, tel: (202) 234-5860.
More information about Lithuania is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Lithuania Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Lithuania Page
U.S. Embassy: Lithuania
History of U.S. Relations With Lithuania
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information