The President and the King discussed bilateral cooperation within NATO framework as well as additional security and deterrence measures in the region.
The President underlined that the security of the Alliance begins in the Baltic states. Intensive and concentrated militarization at NATO's eastern borders, offensive military exercise Zapad 2017 directed against the West, medium-range missiles deployed in Kaliningrad, Russia's attempts to influence election results in Western Europe through cyber and information attacks - all this poses a serious threat to the people of Europe.
According to the President, Lithuania and Belgium are well aware that the main threat to continental security comes from Russia. Europe will only be as secure as the Baltic states. Deterrence measures built on real military capabilities must therefore be in place.
The President said that the presence of troops from Belgium and six other allies in Lithuania sent a strong deterring message that NATO was ready to counter any threat to the security of the Baltic states.
She further underlined that Lithuania highly valued the solidarity demonstrated by Belgium and its decision to send logistic support troops to join NATO's enhanced forward presence in Lithuania. Belgian soldiers were the first to arrive in Lithuania and stage the ground for the redeployment of allied troops and heavy military equipment.
The President emphasized that Lithuania had always felt the strong helping hand extended by Belgium. Belgian fighter jets were the first to start policing the skies over the Baltic countries after they joined NATO, conducting many subsequent rotations in Zokniai and at the Ämari Air Base in Estonia.
The President and the King also discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in business, economy, research, and student exchange. They exchanged views on the expanding contacts between the Nordic and Baltic countries and the Benelux.
