The meeting focused on security threats arising from a build-up of Russian military forces near the border with Ukraine and in the territory of Belarus. The Foreign Ministers agreed that the most important response to current challenges was the maintenance of a strong, united stance by allies and partners, and that there was a need to continue to provide comprehensive support for Ukraine, including military assistance.
“We are grateful to Denmark for returning to NATO’s Air Policing mission to guard the airspace over the Baltic states with four of its F-16 fighter jets. This is not only an air policing mission, but also a solidarity mission, which shows that Denmark and the Baltic states share a common understanding of the threats facing the region.,” said Landsbergis.
One of the most active participants of NATO’s Air Policing mission in the Baltic states — Denmark — wrapped up its eighth deployment in Lithuania in December 2021.
The Foreign Ministers also discussed China’s economic pressure on Lithuania and the European Union as a whole, and expressed the hope that China would cooperate and participate in consultations with the EU. Last week, the EU launched a case at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against the country over its discriminatory trade practices against Lithuania.
The Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Kofod will also visit the Danish troops, who started conducting an extraordinary NATO's Air Policing Mission in Šiauliai, and the headquarters of the NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) in Vilnius.
