“First, I would like to thank Germany for its particularly solid role in the security of the Baltic region and for the leadership to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania. Germany’s military presence in Lithuania is one of the most important NATO’s measures of deterrence and defence, and that is why we will seek an even more robust bilateral cooperation with Germany,” Minister said to the German side.
Federal Minister of Defence congratulated Lithuania on the occasion of the January 13 anniversary and noted Lithuania’s courage in the fight for freedom against the Soviet aggression.
Minister A. Anušauskas indicated that the region needed a stronger NATO deterrence and defence and pointed out Lithuania‘s priorities – defence plans that ensure swift reinforcement, and air defence. He expressed a hope that it would be possible to hold the NATO Defence Ministerial in February in person and the Ministers would be able to discuss the pressing issues.
When addressing international cooperation, both Ministers agreed that it should be expanded in multinational operations. Lithuanian troops are currently serving together with German military personnel in the United Nations-led mission MINUSMA in Mali, and a Vessel Boarding Team formed by the Lithuanian Armed Forces is planned to serve aboard a German warship in the Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI as of spring.
Minister A. Anušauskas thanked his German counterpart for the German Government’s investments into development of relevant infrastructure in Lithuania. “We highly appreciate German investments into military infrastructure,” he said.
