Diplomatic Connections November/December 2022

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D I PL O M A C Y, I N T ER N AT I O NA L PO LIT IC S A ND FO R E IG N PO LIC Y

HER EXCELLENCY AUDRA PLEPYTÉ Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States of America

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dawn Parker DESIGN & CREATIVE Larry Smith Design DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENTS and CONTRIBUTING WRITERS James Winship, PhD, Michael D. Mosettig and Monica Frim CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY Paula Morrison, Diplomatic Connections, and The Embassy of Lithuania to the United States SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jessica Martinez, Kalvin Stauffer Todd Zimmerman DIPLOMATIC CONNECTIONS WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT IMS (Inquiry Management Systems) 304 Park Avenue South, 11th Floor New York, NY 10010 Marc Highbloom, Vice President marc@ims.ca

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Front cover photo: H.E. Audra Plepyte, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lithuania to the United States; Paula Morrison, Diplomatic Connections

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2022

H. E. AUDRA PLEPYTÉ AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA TO THE UNITED STATES

LITHUANIA AND NATO

NATO

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F EAT URED ARTIC L ES LITHUANIA – to the White House HER EXCELLENCY AUDRA PLEPYTE, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States . . . 12

From the Publisher Dear International Reader: In this edition of Diplomatic Connections, we had the honor of interviewing H.E. Audra Plepyte, Ambassador of Lithuania to the United States.

Plepyte is a career diplomat with a resolve full of purpose accompanied by remarkable dedication that has led her to successfully acquire 25 years of preeminent experience to be added to her highly accomplished curriculum vitae. She studied international relations, earning both her undergrad and graduate degrees from Vilnius University, with two additional years focused on diplomatic affairs at Oxford University to become the extraordinarily skilled and polished diplomat she is today. Plepyte has had a substantial and noteworthy resume of distinguished positions within the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry since the early nineties. Her most recent appointment before being assigned to Washington, D.C., was as the Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations in New York. Therefore, navigating the American diplomacy circuit is a familiar landscape, and our nation’s capital was a natural transition for her current posting.

Plepyte’s role here in the United States is critically important, especially with all that is taking place in Ukraine. Lithuania shares its southwest border with Russia. The Kaliningrad Oblast is a semi-exclave with Lithuania to its northeast and the Baltic Sea on its western coast. Thus, the region is of pivotal and geostrategic implication.

Our two nations celebrate a century of vigorously productive and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations this year. Ambassador Plepyte states with great appreciation, “The United States has stood by Lithuania during the most difficult times. In turn, that made our country a strong and unwavering ally strong of the United States in defense of freedom and democracy – the same values that Lithuania, the United States, NATO, and the European Union are defending in the face of the aggression by Putin’s Russia today.” Read more about Lithuania’s integral role on the world stage, starting on page 12.

Diplomatic Connections would like to formally thank Lauren Okonkwo of The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, along with Jessica Dankos, Jessica Dudley, Jessica Gross and Ellie Maust, for their highly regarded and tremendously valued partnership in hosting our most recent Diplomatic Connections International Diplomat Appreciation Reception held on October 3, 2022. If you would like to make reservations for your Delegation, National Day, and/or have your own beautiful event at this exquisite venue, contact Lauren Okonkwo, Director of Sales, at: Lauren.Okonkwo@RitzCarlton.com Diplomatic Connections will be hosting two upcoming trade show receptions, one in New York City on February 6, 2023, and the other in Washington, D.C., on March 9, 2023, in valued partnership with our highly-esteemed hotelier colleagues:

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Dawn Parker Publisher D I P L O M AT I C C O N N E C T I O N S B U S I N E S S E D I T I O N | N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R

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NATO’S ARTICLE 5 CAN A POST-WAR PROMISE BECOME A 21ST CENTURY CAPABILITY? H.E. Audra Plepytė

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States of America and to the United Mexican States James A. Winship, Ph.D.

and from that seat Lithuanian officials can see not only that Russia is the aggressor but that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been badly illinformed by his advisors resulting in a cascade of miscalculations. Not only was Putin wrongly led to expect that Ukrainians would meet his troops as liberators, precisely the opposite was true. He bet that the Western reaction to his aggression would be short-lived at best. Instead NATO, the European Union and the United States have continued to toughen their stance and funnel ever more weapons and defense systems into Ukraine. Both Finland and Sweden have initiated their applications to join NATO. Putin bet that his conscription scheme would be docilely accepted by the Russian people, turning the balance of forces in his favor.

Instead, thousands of Russian men sought to flee the country.

Lithuania has almost a ringside seat for the Russian invasion of Ukraine,

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HER EXCELLENCY AUDRA PLEPYTÉ Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States of America

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To be sure, Putin has found allies in the Iranian Mullahs and their drone aircraft; in North Korea’s hermit regime led by Kim Jong-un where, reportedly, the Russians buy artillery and rockets; in Assad’s Syria where hundreds of Russian-trained fighters have been recruited from the Syrian Army and from the private group the Wagner Front and from whence Putin has named his new commanding officer for the war in Ukraine. And, of course, Saudi Arabia has refused to honor a request made by the United States to cap oil prices with winter at hand and has chosen instead to reduce the amount of oil it pumps by two million barrels a day.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, has been outspoken in warning Europe and the United States about the threat posed by Russian President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and his willingness to weaponize food and energy supplies. Along with the foreign ministers of Estonia and Latvia, Landsbergis has been outspoken in calling for the establishment of a war crimes tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression and other violations of human rights resulting from Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, describes teaching these lessons to the NATO allies as “West-splaining.” For the Baltic states, he points out, it all boils down to the misperception that Russia can be appeased. Russia, he insists, cannot and will not be appeased. Putin’s vision of imperial Russia means that there will always be another demand, and another, and another. Unless they are forcibly stopped, Russia’s demands are insatiable. The West, Landsbergis insists, must provide more and more sophisticated weapons to Zelensky and Ukraine.

Into this maelstrom has stepped Lithuania’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Audra Plepyte, a career diplomat with 25 years of experience, immense powers of quiet persuasion, and now a focus on the United States government – whether it be the White House and the President, the State and Defense departments, the Capitol building and its network of House and Senate offices, or the other NATO and EU governments scattered around Washington, DC. She comes with negotiation and listening skills sharply honed during four years as 14

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Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Ms. Plepyte graduated from Vilnius University with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in philosophy and international relations from the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at that same school.

Immediately afterward, she studied for two years at Oxford University, where she received a degree in diplomatic studies.

Joining the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry in 1994 as Second, Third Secretary at the Multilateral Relations Division, Plepyte’s career development was little short of a meteoric and steady rise. From the beginning she moved up the ranks of foreign service positions - among them as Head of the Human Rights and NGOs Division, Head of the International Missions and Prevention of Conflict Division, and Director of Personnel. In between these assignments, she served as Counselor in the Lithuanian Embassy to the United States, as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York (1999-2002), and as Counselor and Deputy Representative to the Political and Security Committee in the Lithuanian Permanent Representation to the European Union (2004-2008).

Ms. Plepyte was named Ambassador to Spain and the World Tourism Organization, housed in Madrid in (20102014). She returned to Vilnius to serve as Director of the European Union Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2014-2017) before being named the Permanent Representative of Lithuania at the United Nations in New York (2017-2021). In early 2021, she was also elected as President of the Bureau of the UNICEF Executive Board.

It was from her position as Permanent Representative of Lithuania at the United Nations that she was selected to become Lithuania’s Ambassador to the United States.

Ambassador Plepyte, now entering her second year as Ambassador to the United States, was kind enough to allow us time for an interview with her.

Diplomatic Connections: This year celebrates 100 years of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the United States.

Beyond the historic importance of establishing and sustaining that relationship following World War I and sustaining relations even through the Cold War when Lithuania was under Soviet occupation, what is the present day importance of this longstanding relationship between Lithuania and the United States?

Ambassador Plepyté: The 100 years of our diplomatic relations, which continued uninterrupted through the

Troops representing multiple branches of the Lithuanian armed forces raise the flags of the NATO alliance, the Lithuanian coat of arms, and the European Union in ceremonies marking Lithuania’s independence and the restoration of Lithuanian statehood.

years of Soviet dominance, gave us hope and strength to continue believing that one day we would once again be free.

The United States has stood by Lithuania during the most difficult times. In turn, that made our country a strong and unwavering ally of the United States in defense of freedom and democracy – the same values that Lithuania, the United States, NATO and the European Union are defending in the face of the aggression by Putin’s Russia today. I have to add that our stance must be universal. We have to resist authoritarianism and defend human rights in any part of the world.

Diplomatic Connections: Your initial university education spanned the disintegration of the Soviet Union and Lithuania’s efforts to reclaim its independence, an action that Gorbachev resisted. All of your previous education was under the direction of the Soviet authorities. What was a Russian education like for you?

Ambassador Plepyté: Let me make some corrections to what you have described. I went to Lithuanian schools, so it was a Soviet education – yes. But, the language of instruction was Lithuanian. I graduated from school in 1989, but 1988 was already different from the previous years. We had lessons in Lithuanian history, especially what happened during and after World War II as well as the history of Soviet domination. So, from that time on, it was not a Soviet education but a Lithuanian education, one that recognized Lithuania’s unique identity and cultural accomplishments as well as recalled and valued Lithuania’s interwar independence.

During the years of Soviet occupation there was a phenomenon of a “double life” or “double education.”

There was awareness that certain things needed to be said publicly, but there was another life – family and home – that was freer. There one could identify as a Lithuanian and share historical memory across generations. We listened to Voice of America and Radio Free Europe trying to hear

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Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s seventy-seventh session, on September 20, 2022.

the truth, grasp the realities of what was happening in the world and also in Lithuania as it sought independence from the Soviet Union.

Diplomatic Connections: What was your personal experience of Lithuania’s efforts to declare independence?

Ambassador Plepyté: Truthfully, my education was like being an eyewitness to history and my country’s struggle to regain its freedom. That was the best classroom of all.

At university, I was able to benefit from all of these curricular changes. The study of philosophy actually bridged the changing world in which I lived. No longer was philosophy the study of Marxism-Leninism as the underpinnings of the Soviet ideology. Instead, we were free to explore the world of ideas and range of political philosophies that various peoples had explored and with which they had experimented. It was both a commitment to freedom and a fascination with the variety of the world that led me toward a career in diplomacy.

Diplomatic Connections: The depth and the speed of your education are remarkable. You moved through multiple degrees quite quickly. You were simultaneously pursuing degrees in 16

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philosophy and in diplomacy and international relations. How do those two fields -- philosophy and international relations -- fit together for you?

Ambassador Plepyté: Very naturally. Philosophy included a great deal of history and political science. Actually, my bachelor’s degree allowed me to pursue both fields simultaneously, and I had very understanding professors. I was very lucky. I was born at the right moment.

Diplomatic Connections: What events and persons led you to an interest in international relations and a career in diplomacy?

Ambassador Plepyté: Unquestionably, it was the people and events surrounding Lithuania’s quest for independence. I had an education in the classroom as well as in the streets as I joined the public demonstrations and the leaders who emerged during our struggle to separate from the Soviet Union and to achieve, or rather reclaim, our independence.

I wanted to be a part of the restoration of our country, its freedom, and its place in the region and in the world.

Diplomatic Connections: You have moved back and forth in your career stream between three areas of diplomacy – multilateral relations, bilateral relations between Lithuania and individual

Secretary-General António Guterres (second from right) meets with Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania (third from left); Egils Levits, President of the Republic of Latvia; and Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, during the United Nations General Assembly in September of 2022.

countries, and the United Nations institutions and special agencies. How do you compare those three experiences? Is diplomacy different in each of these fields?

Ambassador Plepyté: Yes and no. There are commonalities in any diplomacy – meeting and understanding people, the procedures of protocol and diplomatic communication, the need for careful listening skills, and the need to present your country’s positions and concerns without injecting personal opinion. This is a pleasure for me, but there are also times when presenting your country’s concerns can be difficult and uncomfortable, but absolutely necessary.

These things are true of diplomacy at any level.

Mantas Adomenas, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, addresses the Security Council meeting on conflict and food security under the maintenance of international peace and security during the 2022 UNGA meetings.

Secretary-General António Guterres (right) meets with (from left to right) Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania; Egils Levits, President of the Republic of Latvia; and Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, during the Autumn, 2022, UNGA meetings.

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In bilateral diplomacy the work is directly with other individual countries and their representatives. But, your main counterpart is always one – the host country. This concerns politicians, parliamentarians, diplomats, business people, and contacts in the area of culture.

In multilateral diplomacy, it is essential to work with the representatives of many different countries simultaneously. The field is often narrower and the issues more precisely focused, but the range of diplomatic contacts becomes broader and the viewpoints more diverse.

Accomplishment of the tasks requires building support groups, working together to define and enact common goals. Countries often have not only competing interests but also very different styles of diplomacy and communication.

Diplomatic Connections: And at the United Nations?

Ambassador Plepyté: The United Nations community is a different experience because its aim is to be as inclusive as possible. That inclusiveness means that there is a commitment to process and procedure, and that commitment can often result in cumbersome channels of communication. The United Nations encompasses diversity and differences of opinion and combines it with an openness of communication that initially amplifies differences of opinion by assuring that every country has a voice, regardless of differences in size and power. That is a learning experience, a source of initial conflict, and an opportunity for finding common ground.

But, that process requires patience as well as an enormous investment of time and energy.

Diplomatic Connections: You undertook your role as Lithuania’s Ambassador to the United States a little over a year ago, May 2021. What did you see as the most important issues in Lithuania’s relationship with the United States when you assumed the ambassador’s role? How has that agenda changed over your 17 months in this post, months that have been heavily impacted by the global health crisis of Covid-19 and by the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Ambassador Plepyté: The world changes and the priorities change. The United States was, is and always will be our strategic partner, our most important partner for many areas. Prior to assuming my current role, I served as Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York for almost four years. That meant that becoming Ambassador to the United States required a great deal of quick study on my part to refresh myself on my country’s foreign policy relationship with the United States and the specific issues that were of concern to its national interest. I had to shift gears, so to speak. And, I had to work at building a whole new set of relationships with the political leaders of the United States. These were the immediate requirements of the job and the nature of diplomacy.

One of the critical issues for Lithuania is our relationship with China, which had instituted economic measures against Lithuania because of our pursuit of a more active relationship 18

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with Taiwan. China saw that as violating the principle of “one China” that they had agreed upon in the Shanghai Communique and that has become the model for China’s relations with most other countries. Lithuania upholds the “one China” principle, however we seek a broader business and cultural relationship with Taiwan. The support of the United States is very important to us in the face of Beijing’s coercive economic behavior.

At the top of our list of priorities remains the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the violation of that country’s territorial integrity and the destruction, crimes and murder committed there. Lithuania understands well that Russia

While Lithuania generally acknowledges the “one China policy” in its relations with the People’s Republic of China (“Mainland China”), it nevertheless has sought to expand its trade with Taiwan because of its advanced industrial capabilities and major role in semi-conductor production.

In turn, this has provoked a stern response from the PRC, which accuses Lithuania of “colluding with Taiwan independence and separatist forces.”

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda speaks to the press covering the Informal Meeting of European Union Heads of State held in Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) on October 7, 2022. Discussions covered three closely interrelated topics of critical importance to Europe’s political and economic security – Russia’s war in Ukraine, energy and food supplies, and the overall economic impact of the war in Ukraine on regional and global security.

This gathering set the agenda for a subsequent Heads of State or Government meeting that adopted new sanctions to be imposed against the Russia and covering technology transfer as well as broader trade restrictions.

will not stop with Ukraine. It will go farther if allowed.

Concerns for our own national security meant that we needed to develop even closer relations with the United States and with the NATO alliance.

Diplomatic Connections: Lithuania is in a fascinating and challenging geo-strategic position bordered by the Baltic Sea, Latvia, the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Poland and Belarus – itself a former Soviet Republic. How does Lithuania’s geostrategic location influence or shape its world view and foreign policy?

Ambassador Plepyté: Geography determines our foreign policy. Lithuania has been in this position for many

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Many European countries now view China with greater wariness because of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, China has helped Russia to avoid the most punitive aspects of trade sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union by supplying Russia with needed goods and services and buying Russian oil.

Lithuania is in a unique geostrategic position. It shares a lengthy border with Belarus, perhaps Russia’s closest regional ally in the war against Ukraine, and a border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southeast.

Kaliningrad, the former German city of Königsberg, was given to Russia as part of the terms of the Potsdam Agreement, which restructured the map of Europe following the defeat of Nazi Germany.

It is Russia’s only ice-free port in the Baltic and serves as a home port to the Russian Baltic fleet. Supply lines from Kaliningrad to Russia must either come by sea or through both Belarus and Lithuania. Ironically, NATO’s only overland supply route to the Baltics is through the Sulwalki Gap, the narrow border between Poland and Lithuania.

centuries, and we learned what we need to do to survive amid these realities. As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues colleagues tell me that they have a new appreciation of how Lithuania sees things and understand better the position in which Lithuania finds itself. In that light, it can be said that Lithuania has helped many countries to understand Russia better and more fully.

Diplomatic Connections: Lithuania currently hosts a NATO “Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group” led

by Germany, which recently enlarged its presence there and is rotating units through Lithuania for advanced training. This NATO forward presence is intended as a “trip wire” to assure NATO’s involvement in any attack on Lithuania. Is such a “trip

wire” presence trustworthy and sufficient to Lithuania’s defense?

Ambassador Plepyté: NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” or EFP, as well as the other NATO and allied forces in Lithuania, is very important part of the overall Lithuanian defense posture. The goal of Lithuanian defense policy as outlined by the Ministry of the National Defense is to ensure deterrence against any armed attack on Lithuania, and in case of armed aggression to protect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lithuania. This goal is pursued through the joint efforts of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, NATO allies, all state institutions and society.

Lithuania also contributes to international stability Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) tanker Klaipeda port in Lithuania. With supplies of natural gas from Russia now cut-off in retaliation for economic sanctions leveled against Putin’s regime Lithuania is among the European countries seeking to establish energy resilience by sourcing LNG from other countries. Also shown is an LNG storage and distribution facility in Klaipeda port.

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The Baltic states – Lithuania. Latvia and Estonia – have long had regional ties to the neighboring Nordic states dating back to the days of the Hanseatic League (13th-15th century), a medieval commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns. Those relationships were strengthened during the Cold War when the Nordic states represented an opening to the truth for the “Captive” Baltic states.

Today these relations have been renewed in the form of the NordicBaltic 8 (NB-8) consultations, proposals for a new Hanseatic League, and strengthened even farther by Sweden and Finland’s decisions to apply for NATO membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

and peace in order to form an international security environment favorable to Lithuania and its allies. The recently adopted NATO Strategic Concept envisages new defense initiatives and priorities for the Alliance. These will benefit all allies. For example, NATO will increase the strength of its rapid reaction force nearly eightfold to 300,000 troops as part of its response to new realities.

Being a part of the strongest military alliance in the

Both Germany and the United States have transferred self-propelled heavy artillery to Lithuanian control in order to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and deter potential Russian aggression following that country’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

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world is reassuring, but Lithuania is constantly working to enhance its security and at the same time the strength of the Alliance. Recently the leaders of political parties in Lithuania have signed a new national defense agreement, pledging to keep military spending above 2.5 percent GDP and increase the number of conscripts. In addition, Lithuanian society, all civilian authorities contribute to the defense of the country by providing support to the

U.S. forces and troops from NATO countries regularly conduct coordinated military exercises with the Lithuanian military, a presence that has now become permanent with the positioning of a NATO “Enhanced Presence Battle Group” on Lithuanian soil.

armed forces and ensuring the performance of vital state functions.

membership all the NB-8 states would be part of the Alliance.

Diplomatic Connections: International relations is full of acronyms and initials. One such group that is of importance to Lithuania is the so-called Nordic-Baltic 8. What is this grouping?

How does it function, and what is its role?

Diplomatic Connections: There have also been efforts to establish a New Hanseatic League, recalling the trading bloc history of the medieval Hanseatic League confederation between the merchant guilds and market towns of North and Central Europe. What would be the role of this New Hanseatic League confederation, particularly in the aftermath of Brexit?

Ambassador Plepyté: It is less formal than a regional organization and lacks the institutions that a regional organization would typically have. The official terminology is an “informal regional cooperation format,” but It may be more useful to think of the Nordic-Baltic 8 as a “club” intended to facilitate contact and collaboration between the Baltic three – Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – and the Nordic five – Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland Northern Europe, the Baltic nations and the United States together seek a safe, secure, and supportive environment for advancing an agenda of interests that we share in the region. For that reason, we have a joint US and NB-8 forum for cooperation called the Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (E-PINE) that encompasses three major areas for interactions: Cooperative Security; Healthy Societies; Vibrant Economies.

In the face of the renewed Russian threat, Sweden and Finland have begun the process of accession to the North Atlantic treaty. With Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO

Ambassador Plepyté: The so-called New Hanseatic League idea is to pick-up on the traditions of the historic Hanseatic League in a modern way, exploring new ways to expand the regional economies through trade, further development of the single European market, and intermodal transportation links that promote trade and the growth of distribution networks. In essence, this is a group of like-minded countries that seek the same objectives and understand that their individual economic and technological growth depends on working together as an integrated economic region.

Diplomatic Connections: Is there a danger that such “clubbing” risks driving a wedge between the northern and southern tiers of the European Union?

Ambassador Plepyté: No, I don’t think it’s a danger. Instead it is one of a series of efforts to recognize that economic nationalism is virtually impossible to achieve in the 21st century, costly to the country that attempts it, and a potential source of conflict between countries that can spill over from the marketplace to undermine international cooperation and destabilize security.

The European Union is like a big family. Sometimes there are differences of views, but there is an over-arching commitment to cooperation.

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The Lithuanian Seimas (parliament) in session. It is composed of 141 members elected for four year terms. Seventy-one members represent individual constituencies while the remaining 70 members are selected on a proportional basis from party lists. This encourages a multi-party system where any party receiving 5% of the vote is guaranteed a seat and a voice in the Seimas and regional parties may compete effectively by running a small number of candidates in select constituencies. This results in government by shifting coalitions of the leading parties.

Diplomatic Connections: You actually wear two hats. Not only are you Lithuania’s Ambassador to the United States but also your country’s Ambassador to the United Mexican States. How do you fulfill those dual responsibilities? How do you juggle Lithuania’s representation between neighboring countries when Washington and Mexico City vacillate between a close relationship and persistent frictions that often and repeatedly strain relations between these two “American” capitals?

Ambassador Plepyté: To date, one role – the relationship with the United States – is much more developed than the other – the relationship with Mexico. Because I am based in Washington and given the course of events in Europe as much as 90% of my time and effort has been directed to the United States. I would love to spend more time in Mexico. It is a big and very important country that is inevitably a vital link between the politics and diplomacy of North and South America. It deserves more attention than I have been able to give it to date.

I was Lithuania’s Ambassador to Spain as well as to the World Tourism Organization based in Madrid earlier in my career (2010-2014), and Spanish is one of the languages in which I have some fluency. During that time I had many interactions with Mexico’s Ambassador and with the Mexican embassy staff. We have active and 24

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capable honorary consuls in Mexico and they keep me well informed regarding the issues facing the Mexican government and situation in the country. When I was at our mission to the United Nations in New York I had very good relations with Mexican diplomats. I also have plans to visit Mexico in the near future in order to reiterate, reinvigorate and strengthen relations between our countries.

Diplomatic Connections: Could you tell us a bit about your United Nations experience and particularly your involvement with one of the specialized agencies – UNICEF – dedicated to promoting the welfare of children around the world?

Ambassador Plepyté: My role with UNICEF allowed me to see the effects of the global pandemic on children and families in very concrete terms. It is not only a matter of public health. The pandemic has affected every aspect of people’s lives – employment, children’s education, food availability and distribution, life expectancy, refugee flows, and overall living conditions. That is true everywhere but especially in Africa, parts of South and Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The spillover effects of Covid, exacerbated by destabilizing regional security concerns around the world and Great Power tensions, have weakened the hoped for joint efforts to assure peace and pursue sustainable

development. I remain hopeful that we can overcome these obstacles and continue our work to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and for the benefit all humankind.

Diplomatic Connections: The UN is so deeply confronted with the rebirth of nationalism where more and more countries are not focused on the international community so much as they are focused on their own national interest exclusively. How can the United Nations respond to this resurgent nationalism?

Ambassador Plepyté: Working at the United Nations, first as a counselor and as my country’s Deputy Permanent Representative (1999-2002) and then again as Permanent Representative (2017-2021), was very special for me. That said, I saw a real difference between the UN I knew during my first posting in New York and the United Nations I encountered during this most recent posting. That earlier United Nations was deeply devoted to multilateralism and had a strong focus on identifying, understanding, and responding to critical global issues. Now nationalism has weakened those earlier commitments and undermined the focus on vital global issues like human rights, climate change, hunger and food security, refugees and displaced persons, and the rule of law.

Diplomatic Connections: Do you feel that women professionals approach diplomacy in a different manner than men do – procedurally or behaviorally? Is there such a thing as a feminist diplomacy?

Ambassador Plepyté: Every person has a different approach to diplomacy. What I believe after my 25-year diplomatic career is that diplomacy has changed a great deal from the time when it was a profession only for men. When I began my career there were very few women diplomats, and now the majority of or diplomats are women. That is acknowledgement that there is nothing gender specific about the practice of diplomacy or the distribution of talents.

If you look across the world there are still lots of men in the higher diplomatic positions. However, women have been encouraged to pursue diplomatic careers, and the situation is changing.

Now the career stream is in a much better position for women. There are not as many roadblocks as there

once were, and women are widely accepted and advanced in the field. My career is evidence of that.

Women have a lot to learn from men, and men have a lot to learn from women. The important thing is that the contribution every individual makes is quite apart from gender. If women hadn’t dared to question men’s role, the progress we see would not have been made. My hope is that this progress continues.

Diplomatic Connections: Imagine that, based on your 25-years of diplomatic experience, you are asked to address the new, entering class of fledgling Lithuanian diplomats as they begin their training. What insights might you offer them? What have you learned over the years that you wish you’d understood earlier in your career?

Ambassador Plepyté: Be curious. Try to learn as much as possible about your specific responsibilities and about what others do in their specific positions, always without impinging on boundaries. Learn from others, observe role models and seek mentors. Get to know your counterparts in other embassies. Always remember that today’s junior officers will in time become leaders in the foreign ministry and often enough ambassadors in their own right. Learn how to be persuasive, but also learn to listen and absorb other points of view even when, perhaps especially when, you do not agree with them.

Diplomatic Connections: Ambassador Plepyte, thank you for your insights, your candor and your willingness to share your experiences. ■ Ambassador Plepyte served as Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 2017-2021. Here she is pictured with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. During that time she was also deeply involved in the work of the UN specialized agency UNICEF, meeting the needs and protecting the rights of the world’s children.

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DIPLOMATIC CONNECTIONS International Diplomat Appreciation Reception © held at

The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City Diplomatic Connections wishes to formally thank our highly-esteemed colleagues representing The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

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Lauren Okonkwo Jessica Dankos Jessica Dudley Jessica Gross Ellie Maust

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Apartments Condominiums and Housing

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A HISTORIC BUILDING. AN UNPRECEDENTED TRANSFORMATION. Centrally located between Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights and U Street, âme’s apartment homes feature first-class amenities, stunning interior design, breath-taking views, and an expansive park right at your front door.

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THE BEST PART OF YOUR CITY You never settle for second best. Neither do we. The Apartments at CityCenter has curated an exceptional community where luxury amenities, unique floorplans, and ultimate conveniences converge.

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YOUR PREFERRED STAY NEAR EMBASSY ROW Located at the heart of one of Washington DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Oakwood Suites & Studios Dupont Circle Washington DC is a 20th century neoclassical manor that offers you the flexibility you need when traveling to Embassy Row. Whether you’re on a short visit, or seeking a long-term stay option.

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Unmatched Waterfront Living Just south of the Navy Yard, discover the Penthouse Collection at RiverPoint — a brand new apartment community featuring modern design with a true Scandinavian aesthetic. Overlooking the Anacostia River, you’ll find the city’s most expansive waterfront with breathtaking, uninterrupted views from each expansive penthouse terrace.

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Automotive Cars and Limousine Services

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Communications/ Technology

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Education

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Discover your capable, confident Montessori child.

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Hotels, Dining and Accommodations

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DIPLOMATIC ACCOMMODATIONS IN DC AND NYC

Superbly located furnished residences designed for long stay comfort and value, with spacious living areas, full kitchens, and spectacular business and lifestyle amenities.

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The Benjamin Hotel, a New York City Landmark, exudes the ambiance of a Private Club.

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Steps from the United Nations, we invite you to experience The Benjamin.

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Darcy Hotel A destination in its own right…

The Darcy offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the nation’s capital.

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IN

NYC

Centrally located in the heart of Manhattan, Conrad New York Midtown offers diplomatic guests privacy, comfort and residential-style stays. The 562 newly renovated rooms and suites boast striking views of Central Park and the city skyline. We invite you to join us at Conrad New York Midtown and allow us to take care of your every need.

151 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 || 212.307.5000 || www.conradnewyorkmidtown.com Email Director of Sales at Desiree.Castillo@ConradHotels.com

CAPITOL HILL HOTEL

200 C Street Southeast Washington D.C. 20003 202.543.6000 HAMPTON INN DOWNTOWN CONVENTION CENTER, WASHINGTON D.C.

901 6th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 202.842.2500 ST. GREGORY HOTEL

2033 M Street, NW Washington D.C. 20036 202.530.3600

WELCOME TO D.C., YOUR HOMEAWAY FROM HOME

HILTON GARDEN INN WASHINGTON D.C./ GEORGETOWN AREA

2201 M Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20037 202.974.6010 HYATT PLACE GEORGETOWN/WEST END

2121 M Street, NW Washington D.C. 20037 202.838.2222

INTRODUCING HERSHA HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT e are HHM, a diverse portfolio of hotels nestled in the heart of America’s capital. Our

COURTYARD ALEXANDRIA,

W hotels blend exceptional service with top-tier amenities, and our prime locations offer

PENTAGON SOUTH

convenient access to top businesses, popular local attractions, and all major airports in

4641 Kenmore Avenue

the area. Whether you are looking for a full service, select service, or an extended-stay hotel, we

Alexandria, VA 22304

offer a complete lodging experience that’s second to none. This is HHM. Welcome home.

703.751.4510 RESIDENCE INN

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GREENBELT, MARYLAND

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6320 Golden Triangle Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770 301.982.1600

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HERSHA HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Welcome to D.C., Your Home Away From Home

OFFERINGS &AMENITIES CAPITOL HILL HOTEL 153 spacious and elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites

Grab-and-go breakfast daily

Home-away-from-home amenities including Keurig coffee makers, electronic safes, microwaves, in-suite kitchenettes or full kitchens, and self-service laundry ($)

Pet Friendly

Valet parking Health & Safety Program: Rest Assured™

HAMPTON INN DOWNTOWN CONVENTION CENTER, WASHINGTON D.C. Steps away from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

On-site parking Health & Safety Program: Hilton Clean Stay

228 newly renovated guest rooms and suites Grab-and-go breakfast daily

ST. GREGORY HOTEL 156 elegantly appointed spacious Studio Rooms and Suites (12 rooms and suites with patios on the penthouse level) Home away from home amenities including Keurig coffee makers, electronic safes, microwaves, mini-fridges, and premium wifi

Grab-and-go breakfast daily In-room dining experience by St. Greg Kitchen & Bar Pet friendly On-site parking Health & Safety Program: Rest Assured™

HILTON GARDEN INN WASHINGTON D.C./GEORGETOWN AREA Centrally located in the West End Neighborhood and 2 blocks from GWU/Foggy Bottom LEED-certified 238 sun-lit spacious guestrooms including Deluxe and Premier corner room with upgrades including complimentary wifi

Home-away-from-home amenities including Keurig Coffee Makers, electronic safes, microwaves, and mini-fridges On-site parking Health & Safety Program: Hilton Clean Stay

Rooftop pool and lounge seating HYATT PLACE GEORGETOWN/WEST END Centrally located in the West End neighborhood and 2 blocks from GWU/Foggy Bottom

Gallery dining space with Breakfast Bar, The Bar & The Market (grab-and-go)

168 King/Double Queen spacious rooms with state-of-the-art work space in each room with complimentary wifi

Indoor pool On-site parking Health & Safety Program: Hyatt Cleanliness Commitment

COURTYARD ALEXANDRIA, PENTAGON SOUTH 203 Spacious guest rooms including 110 Double Bedded Rooms / 86 King Rooms / 7 Suites including mini-refrigerators On-site parking available including four complementary spaces for bus parking

Grab-and-go breakfast daily by The Bistro Restaurant Unique and flexible function space to accommodate up to 200 guests Health & Safety Program: Marriott Commitment to Clean

RESIDENCE INN GREENBELT, MARYLAND 120 newly renovated suites with kitchens ideal for extended stay living including complimentary Wifi Grab-and-go breakfast daily

Complimentary Onsite Parking available Pet-friendly hotel suites (fees apply) Health & Safety Program: Marriott Commitment to Clean

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D I S C O V E R WA R M T H A N D E L E G A N C E AT T H E D U P O N T C I R C L E .

T I F FA N Y R I O U X DIRECTOR OF SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT +1 2O2.448.425O T I F FA N Y _ R I O U X @ D O Y L E C O L L E C T I O N . C O M

THE DUPONT CIRCLE HOTEL 1 5 O O N E W H A M P S H I R E AV E N U E N W DOYLECOLLECTION.COM/DUPONTCIRCLE

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The moment you found a venue that everyone could agree upon.

Host your next event at the Fairmont Washington, D.C, Georgetown, and be among the first to experience our magnificent transformation. All 413 of our spacious guest rooms and suites, including our Fairmont Gold guest rooms and lounge, have been completely redesigned. The Kennedy Ballroom provides a modern yet elegant option for banquet events of up to 250 guests. And our vibrant new lobby lounge and outdoor courtyard debut in January, offering the perfect venues for groups to unwind after a busy day.

Ask about our Revitalize Meeting Package when you call +1 202 429 2400, visit fairmont.com/washington or contact washington@fairmont.com

A W A S H I N G T O N D. C. , O R I G I N A L S I N C E 1 9 2 5

Meetings That Indulge Business gatherings at The Mayflower take on a timeless aura of sophistication in this historic hotel. Sweeping ballroom venues and elegant meeting rooms are complimented by spacious suites laden with luxury amenities and impeccable service for your guests and your event in Washington, D.C. L E A R N M O R E B Y V I S I T I N G M A R R I O T T. C O M / W A S A K

T H E M AY F L O W E R H O T E L . C O M

T H E M AY F L O W E R D C

T H E M AY F L O W E R H O T E L D C

www.graduatehotels.com/roosevelt-island

MODERN LUXURY IN THE HEART OF D.C.

326 Guest Rooms 31 Luxurious Suites Presidential Suite Overlooking the Washington Monument Connecting single/double rooms to Suites Private VIP Entrance The Spa at Hotel Washington VUE Rooftop Restaurant Lobby Bar and Restaurant In-Room Nespresso Machines Room Service

Contact our Diplomatic Sales Manager, Ms. Tanya Powell +1 (202) 661 2434 | tpowell@thehotelwashington.com

515 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20004, USA | TEL: +1 (202) 661 2400 www.thehotelwashington.com

Live the InterContinental Life in Atlanta InterContinental Hotels brings a new luxury lifestyle experience to Atlanta’s prestigious Buckhead neighborhood with spacious newly renovated rooms, a redesigned lobby and garden reminiscent of a classic manor home with southern charm, re-imagined Gala Ballroom space, a fully staffed Club InterContinental Lounge, and a new dining hotspot, The Americano, helmed by celebrity chef Scott Conant.

Classic Room

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta 3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 intercontinentalatlanta.com Simba Jones, Director of Business Travel +1 404-946-9111 | simba.jones@ihg.com

Presidential Suite

The Americano

Book your next stay with us for yourself or your group and keep your good thing going.

EVEN™ HOTELS MIDTOWN EAST

221 East 44th Street New York, New York 10017 P. 212.230.0002 www.evenhotels.com\midtowneastnyc

EVEN Hotels.com

STAY AT THE CENTER OF INFLUENCE

Steps away from America’s political epicenter, guests are embraced with an exquisitely curated resort destination that reignites Washington D.C.'s river’s edge.

INTERCONTINENTALWHARFDC.COM

EMAIL: WHARFDCSALES@IHG.COM

A L E GA CY OF LUXURY ON MA DISON AVENUE 4 55 M A D I S O N AVE N U E , N EW YO R K , N EW YO R K W W W. L O T T E N Y PA L A C E .CO M WITH INQUIRIES

H A I T I CO N N E R , D I R ECTO R O F D I PLO M AT I C S A L E S ( 2 1 2 ) 3 0 3 - 8 5 8 6 • H CO N N E R @ L O T T E N Y PA L A C E .CO M

Madera WA S H I N GTON , D.C .

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World Class Design. Local Inspiration. The Peninsula Chicago offers a wide range of sophisticated suite accommodations to meet the needs of any traveler. From the expansive, three-bedroom Peninsula Suite featuring a private terrace overlooking Lake Michigan, to the intimate one-bedroom Executive Suite with just the right amount of personal space, travelers will always find themselves in a warm, welcoming space that perfectly blends Eastern graciousness with Midwestern hospitality.

10 8 E A S T S U P E R I O R S T R E E T, C H I C AG O , I L 6 0 611, U S A Hong Kong

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E- MAIL : PCH @ PEN INSU L A .COM

S h a n g h a i • B e i j i n g • To k y o • N e w Yo r k • C h i c a g o • B e v e r l y H i l l s • P a r i s • Under Development L o n d o n • I s t a n b u l • Ya n g o n • p e n i n s u l a . c o m

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Discover the Placemakr difference.

Looking for a place to stay in the West End? Once an established hotel, 2500 Penn, a Placemakr Experience is within walking distance of nearby embassies and other mustsee attractions. This building has been completely reimagined, featuring firstclass amenities like in-unit kitchens, on-site laundry, plus a wine garden and restaurant right on location.

placemakr.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT VIVIAN COHENCIOUS.

703-909-4327 vcohencious@placemakr.com

Stay Exquisite For nearly a century, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has welcomed world leaders, dignitaries, royalty, and Hollywood icons; placing its guests in the center of an extraordinary legacy.

Ideally situated just a stone’s throw away from the White House, experience timeless glamour and luxury complemented by thoughtful hotel amenities and exquisite dining venues.

©2019–2021 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All names, marks and logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C. 923 16th and K Streets, N.W., Washington, District of Columbia 20006

For reservations, please visit stregiswashingtondc.com or call +1 202 638 2626.

Memories create a journey you can always return to.

Explore a destination where traditional beauty melts seamlessly into modern luxury.

Where spacious suites incorporate sleek lines, classic marble, and wood finishes.

Where cuisine nods to the Mediterranean coastline, and where more than 17,000 sqft of newly redesigned event space can reflect your vision. This is the past, present, and future wrapped into one distinctive Arlington hotel that remains focused on the safety and needs of its guests. ritzacarlton.com/pentagoncity ©2021 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C

Exceptional Hospitality, Diplomatically Speaking The Ven is like no other hotel in the Dupont Circle neighborhood— personality-rich, upscale, and lifestylefocused. Neighborhood residents and guests find delight in our sophisticatedbut-never-stuffy spaces, our gracious service— delivered with a casual flair and lighthearted touch—and unexpected connections to distant times and bygone places

• 231 vibrant & stylish rooms & suites • Fred & Stilla Restaurant & Bar • 24-hour Pantry stocked with drinks, snacks and gifts for loved ones back home • Art Gallery with rotating exhibits • Gorgeous seasonal rooftop — complimentary access to our guests • 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for intimate gatherings and small meetings • Valet parking (fees apply)

Welcome to your own neighborhood pied-à-terre.

Viceroy Washington DC’s spacious rooms and suites give you room to breathe and a sense of true belonging - a rare commodity in DC, perfect for your group and delegations.

VICEROY WASHINGTON DC 1430 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C., 20005 www.viceroydc.com CONTACT: COURTNEY DENMAN courtney.denman@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com T: +1 202 742 3119

WASHINGTON DC

AN ELEGANT STAY IN IN WASHINGTON DC’S HISTORIC DUPONT CIRCLE

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Whether business or pleasure brings you to the nation’s capital, Royal Sonesta Washington DC offers a dynamic experience for all the senses. Our modern, Dupont Circle boutique hotel puts you steps away from from famed historic and cultural landmarks, local farmers’ markets and enticing shops and bars. Allowing you to live like a local during your visit immersing yourself in local neighborhoods.

Our 335 tastefully appointed guest rooms and specialty suites provide a calming retreat, while 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and thoughtfully designed social spaces keep the business of the beltway moving forward.

Includes breakfast when booking using promo code EMBASSY

SONESTA.COM/WASHINGTONDC

enjoy

STYLISH HOSPITALITY

Located on Baltimore’s picturesque Inner Harbor, Royal Sonesta Harbor Court combines Old World charm with a New World sophistication that stands out from today’s typical hotel experience. Our Royal Sonesta Harbor Court offers easy access to I-95 and BWI Airport and puts you minutes from Baltimore’s major attractions, colleges & universities and world-famous hospitals. Winner of both the AAA Four Diamond Award and TripAdvisor’s 2021 Certificate of Excellence, our tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites and world-class amenities offer guests a delightful retreat in the heart of Charm City.

F OR RES E R V ATIO N S , V I S I T S O NE S T A . C O M /B A L T I M OR E FOR ALL OF YOU R M EET I N G N EEDS, P L E AS E C A L L TH E SA L E S DE PA R TME N T AT 41 0. 2 34 .0 55 0

550 LIGHT STREET

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21202

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410.234.0550

Insurance

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Insurance made simple.

Diplomatic Missions.

Before our Program, diplomatic missions in the United States have struggled to find sustainable, reliable insurance solutions without straining their budgets. Where most agents were afraid to venture, Sahouri did something bold.

With trust in our expertise, partners, and services promise, our firm leveraged its strong carrier relationships to design a proprietary and exclusive diplomatic missions insurance program for underserved missions in the United States. As the only program of its kind, our exclusivity allowed us to immerse ourselves in the market, develop expertise, and in turn provide value for every insurance pain point foreign governments face.

Embassies. Permanent Missions. Consulates.

Ambassadors. Government Sponsored Students.

Property & Casualty

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Embassy of Germany "Sahouri’s rates reduced our budget by almost 40%."

Embassy of France

500+ missions served 50+ years of experience Diplomatic Insurance Specialists

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"For almost 20 years, we have enjoyed impeccable cooperation with Sahouri’s dedicated staff. No company can replace their remarkable service. I strongly recommend SAHOURI to all Diplomatic Missions."

U.N. Mission of Belarus “Clear advice on essential matters. Sahouri is a convenient and solid partner to work with.”

Embassy of the Netherlands

"Proud to be the largest insurance provider for diplomatic missions in the United States since 1970."

703.833.0500 | insurance@sahouri.com | sahouri.com

For additional information, please contact the sales team: One United Nations Park 695 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016 212.685.7200 | sales@oneunpark.com | www.OneUNPark.com