Kęstutis Budrys (born 2 October 1980[citation needed]) is a Lithuanian politician and security expert who has been serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs since 12 December 2024.[1][2] He was nominated for the position in November 2024 by Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.[3]
Early life and education
Kęstutis Budrys was born in Vilnius, Lithuania.[citation needed] He graduated from the Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science in 2004 with a master's degree in political science.[4]
Career
State Security Department
Budrys began working at the State Security Department of Lithuania in 2002 as an inspector. Over time, he held various positions, including senior inspector, head of department, and deputy head of the board.[5]
In 2015, he was appointed deputy director of the State Security Department and was re-appointed for an additional five-year term in 2020.[5][6]
Presidential Advisor
From 2009 to 2015, Budrys served as an advisor to the President of Lithuania, specializing in intelligence and defense policy.[7] In 2014, he was temporarily appointed as chief national security advisor to the president following the resignation of Jonas Markevičius.[8]
In 2022, Budrys was appointed chief national security advisor to the president.[9]
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Budrys assumed office as the Minister of Foreign Affairs on 12 December 2024, succeeding Gabrielius Landsbergis.[1] His tenure focuses on enhancing Lithuania's diplomatic presence and addressing global security challenges.
References
- ^ a b "Armenian FM congratulates new Lithuanian counterpart on taking office". Armenpress. 13 December 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ "Susipažinkite su nauja Vyriausybe: galutinis ministrų sąrašas ir trumpa dosjė". Delfi (in Lithuanian). 12 December 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ "Aiškėja ministrų pavardės – Paluckas įvardijo Šakalienę ir Budrį, į VRM kviečia Cesiulį" (in Lithuanian). Lithuanian National Radio and Television. 21 November 2024.
- ^ "K.Budrys VSD direktoriaus pavaduotoju paskirtas antrai kadencijai". 15min (in Lithuanian). 9 February 2022.
- ^ a b "VSD vadovo pavaduotoju paskirtas Budrys". Verslo žinios (in Lithuanian). 30 June 2015.
- ^ "K.Budrys VSD direktoriaus pavaduotoju paskirtas antrai kadencijai". 15min (in Lithuanian). 9 February 2022.
- ^ "Kęstutis Budrys". OECD Events.
- ^ "Prezidentūrą palieka vyriausiasis patarėjas nacionaliniam saugumui J. Markevičius". Klaipėda (in Lithuanian). 2 January 2014.
- ^ "Pokyčiai prezidentūroje: išeinantį Nacionalinio saugumo grupės vadovą D.Kuliešių keičia K.Budrys". 15min (in Lithuanian). 9 February 2022.