Lithuanian Ambassador Rukštelienė Recalled, to Become Deputy Foreign Minister

Vilnius, Lithuania – The Lithuanian government has greenlit the recall of L. Rukštelienė from her positions as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Austria, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, and Slovakia. The decision awaits final approval via decree from President Gitanas Nausėda.

Rukštelienė's tenure as ambassador is scheduled to end on August 14. Following her recall, she is slated to join the Foreign Affairs Ministry as a deputy minister. In this new role, she will be responsible for matters pertaining to transatlantic cooperation and security.

This appointment marks a significant shift in Rukštelienė's diplomatic career. She brings over 30 years of experience in diplomatic service, encompassing bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, security policy, European Union affairs, strategic management, and high-level state representation. Her extensive background is expected to bolster the ministry's capabilities in handling complex international relations and security challenges.

The move underscores Lithuania's focus on strengthening its ties within the transatlantic community and enhancing its security posture. Rukštelienė's expertise in these areas is seen as a valuable asset as the country navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.