The Minister thanked Ch. Schmidt for excellent cooperation between Germany and Lithuania in the field of defence and Germany’s commitment to be the framework nation of NATO enhanced Forward Presence battalion in Lithuania.
During the meeting the Minister highlighted the great importance of German and Allied troops presence in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence battalion, however he also noted that NATO needs further decisions related to reinforcement of this unit as required and additional capabilities both in the air and in the sea.
„Decisions made in Wales and Warsaw were timely and relevant to the whole Alliance We highly appreciate Germany’s great contribution to reaching these results that enhanced security measures in the eastern flank of NATO. However, deterrence ensuring is only the first step in defence preparation, therefore additional capabilities in the air and the sea, strategy of forces reinforcement, mobility ensuring are the issues to be agreed between NATO members” – Minister of National Defence R. Karoblis said.
According to Ch. Schmid, NATO is undivided and its boarders must be defended without exception. NATO must be prepared to any contingencies and one NATO battle group is certainly too small to ensure this, therefore NATO countries need to do more.
Participants of the meeting also emphasized that Russian aggression against Ukraine cannot be forgotten and western countries should further contribute to strengthening capabilities and skills of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. “Russia does not comply with its international obligations and the Russian aggression against Ukraine cannot be forgotten. Ukraine is NATO’s neighbour and partner, we must keep attention and assist it in reforming its armed forces and defence system, - the Minister said.
As the Member of the German Bundestag expressed interest in restoration of conscript service in Lithuania, the Minister shared Lithuania’s experience in this field. At present Germany also often discusses this issue and the possibility of returning to conscript service system. In turn, the German Bundestag Member shared recent public opinion on this matter as well as changes and challenges faced by the German Armed Forces.
During his visit in Lithuania Ch. Schmidt is also going to meet with German troops in Rukla and participate in the conference by President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus.
