"Since 1996, we have sought to become a full member of the OECD. We are ready for that, so we hope that our efforts will be appreciated and the United States, as a long-term strategic partner, will support Lithuania as a candidate at the upcoming hearings regarding new members," the prime minister said following the meeting.
A new stage of the OECD's expansion might be announced this year. Candidates can be officially invited to negotiate membership at a ministerial meeting in May.
Estonia joined the organization, the so-called "rich man's club", in 2010. Latvia also wants to join the OECD which currently has over 30 members.
At the meeting with the US ambassador, Butkevičius said Lithuania could be a great pivot for US exports to Eastern Europe. The prime minister also underlined that the US is Lithuania's key partner in ensuring security, according to the statement by the Office of the Prime Minister.
