# DoS Signs U.S.-Lithuania Critical Minerals Framework

On September 17, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys in Washington, D.C., to advance bilateral political and security cooperation. A key outcome was the signing of the U.S.-Lithuania Critical Minerals Framework, designed to strengthen supply chains for advanced technology and defense sectors. The framework supports collaboration on critical minerals essential for defense manufacturing and technology development, reflecting Lithuania's early achievement of its NATO defense spending target. This development signals increased procurement opportunities in critical minerals sourcing and defense supply chain resilience.

- The framework establishes a foundation for joint procurement and supply chain initiatives in critical minerals, a strategic resource for defense and advanced technology contractors.
- Procurement professionals should evaluate opportunities arising from enhanced U.S.-Lithuania cooperation, particularly in sourcing rare earth elements and other critical materials.
- Defense contractors may find increased demand for materials and technologies aligned with the framework's objectives to bolster supply chain security.
- This agreement underscores Lithuania's role as a reliable partner in defense procurement and supply chain diversification efforts within NATO and allied frameworks.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Department of State (DoS)
- Government of Lithuania

### Sources
- [Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Budrys - United States Department of State](https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesman/2026/09/secretary-rubios-meeting-with-foreign-minister-budrys/) - DEPT