Minister Budrys: Lithuania’s NATO membership – the cornerstone of our securityActivities of the Minister of Foreign AffairsMultilateral RelationsNATO and International Security

On 28 March, on the eve of the anniversary of Lithuania's accession to NATO, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys, together with a team of diplomats, participated in the "Runway Run 2026" at the Lithuanian Force Air Base.

"For 22 years now, we have been proud to be an integral and important part of NATO. Lithuania's long-standing membership in NATO is the cornerstone of our security. There is no better day than today to thank our allies from the bottom of our hearts for their significant daily contributions to the security of us all," said Budrys at the event.

The run along the runway is the only one of its kind in Lithuania, dedicated to reminding us that we have belonged to NATO, the strongest military alliance, since 29 March 2004. Aircraft of the Lithuanian Air Force land at the Šiauliai Air Base alongside allied fighter jets participating in NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission.

This year, approximately 10,000 runners from across the country participated in the traditional 3-kilometer run. Participants who successfully completed the run were awarded unique souvenirs from the organizers. The run took place for the 13th consecutive year at the Lithuanian Air Force Base.