Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI was launched on March 31 last year to implemented the United Nations arms embargo on Libya.
J. Borrell paid a visit to IRINI operational headquarters in Rome on the first anniversary since its launch and met with Operation Commander Admiral Fabio Agostini and military personnel manning the operation aboard warships in the Mediterranean.
Vice-President of the European Commission thanked Lithuanians as well – for the contribution to the success of Operation IRINI. Lithuanians will serve in the operation for four months this year with the FGS Berlin of the German Navy.
“The European defence works. I have thanked naval forces from France, Italy, Greece and Germany, and the Lithuanian contingent serving aboard a German ship for that. Soldiers from different countries are working side by side for the common EU goal,” said sakė J. Borrell.
The Lithuanian contingent deployed aboard a German ship are trained to board suspect vessels carrying cargo to and from Libya in line with orders of the Operation Commander, international law and set procedures.
“Deployments to international operations is an important expression of Lithuania’s international security commitments. It is also a contribution to the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy, bilateral and multilateral military cooperation, particularly, with our strategic partner Germany,” Vice Minister of National Defence Margiris Abukevičius said.
According to Vice Minister, completion of such tasks as in Operation IRINI requires particularly high professionalism and special training, that is the reason why Lithuanian soldiers deployed to the operation have become so visible and appreciated by international partners.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic having aggravated troops rotations and speedy completion of tasks, Lithuania soldiers are continuing participation in 10 international operations and missions in 2021 and thus contribute to the efforts of the international community to maintain preserve peace and stability in the world, solve long-drawn conflicts, and fight international terrorism. Lithuania deploys approx. 170 troops to NATO, EU, UN international missions and operations this year.