The President emphasized that Portugal is Lithuania’s close security partner. Lithuania highly values intensified bilateral military cooperation as well as Portuguese solidarity and consistent contribution to the protection of the eastern borders and defense of the entire Baltic region.
Portugal has currently deployed its rotation forces in Lithuania and is a part of NATO Force Integration Unit. Portugal has already taken four rotations of air policing mission in the Baltic States as a part of security measures implemented by the Alliance. Portuguese troops take an active part in the international military exercises organized in Lithuania.
According to the President, NATO unity is a necessity under the current security circumstances. Lithuania is well aware of the problems faced by the southern countries of the Alliance such as terrorism, extremism, illegal migration and seeks to contribute to their collective solution. Lithuania participates in the international operations and missions to the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean.
When discussing the future NATO summit to be held on December 3-4, in London, the President expressed hope that the implementation of the previous NATO decisions would be continued so that the Alliance would be prepared to address emerging security threats.
