US: US, Lithuania sign Critical Minerals Framework Memorandum of Understanding in Washington.

SHOTLIST: WASHINGTON D.C., US (SEPT. 17, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF SIGNING CEREMONY FOR CRITICAL MINERALS FRAMEWORK MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING / US SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO AND LITHUANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER KĘSTUTIS BUDRYS SPEAKING AND SIGNING DURING CEREMONY / RUBIO AND BUDRYS POSING FOR CAMERAS WASHINGTON D.C., US - SEPT. 17: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys signed a Critical Minerals Framework Memorandum of Understanding in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Sept. 17. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the US State Department, with Rubio saying it highlights strong cooperation and partnership between the two countries. Rubio said secure supplies and processing of critical minerals are essential to both the economy and defense, adding that the US and Lithuania will jointly identify priority projects and mobilize government and private-sector financing within six months. Budrys said economic security is Lithuania's second foreign policy priority after security, stressing the importance of building resilient and strong supply chains in partnership with the US.