The Minister began the meeting with the German Ambassador by expressing condolences over the terrorist attack in Berlin. “It is vital to remain unified and not to allow terrorists to break our unity. We have to seek common solutions together,” R. Karoblis said.
While giving reviews of defence cooperation in 2016 the Minister underscored that Lithuanian’s cooperation with both, Germany and the Netherlands, intensified: the cooperation takes place across a variety of areas and in various formats.
“We are grateful to Germany and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for standing by us in this time of tensions and conflict. We particularly appreciate Germany’s decision to take responsibility for the security of NATO and to form the forces in the Baltic region together with other allies. Unity of the world is vital, that is why it is so important to see Germany stand side by side with the US, Canada and the UK,” Minister of National Defence R.Karoblis said.
Minister also stressed that Lithuania’s top priority is doubtlessly NATO enhanced forward presence in the Baltic region and Poland. High-readiness and well-equipped multinational combat capabilities deployed in the three Baltic states and Poland is among the most impactful NATO contributions to regional security. Lithuania particularly appreciates Germany’s decision to take the lead of the NATO battalion combat group in Lithuania. The contributions from Germany, the Netherlands and other countries will certainly help step up deterrence and collective defence in the Baltic region.
The Minister notified the German and the Dutch Ambassadors that Lithuania was working on preparation to host the battalion combat group. “I will personally view the work in progress and ensure that proper host nation support is provided,” R. Karoblis said.
The Minister also thanked Germany and the Kingdom of Netherlands for consistent deployments to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, participation in military exercises in Lithuania and the region, and personnel posted to the NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) in Vilnius. “However, the most important thing is we are eagerly waiting for the German and Dutch troops who will arrive in the beginning of next year and serve as the NATO enhanced forward presence – in the battalion combat team,” the Minister said.
According to R.Karoblis, Lithuania also makes effort to enhance its security. Lithuania gradually increases defence spending and plans having defence budget of the size of 2 percent of GDP in 2018 not only to strengthen national capabilities but also to provide appropriate host nation support to NATO units.
