"In the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it is necessary to reassess the changes of security situation in Europe and take adequate long-term measures to assure security of NATO member states", stated the Vice Minister to US military representatives who visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 6 August.
A.Krivas expressed thanks for the U.S. leadership in strengthening security of NATO's eastern borders and underlined that the presence of the larger air, ground and naval allied forces in Lithuania is especially significant and visible.
The Vice Minister noted that Lithuania is committed to further increase expenditure on national defence, which should reach 2 per cent of gross domestic product by the year 2020.
Andrius Krivas expressed the deepest sympathy to the representatives of the US military forces on the tragic death of the U.S. Major General Harold Green in Afghanistan.
The Capstone leadership courses are organised by the U.S. National Defence University. This year 20 newly selected US general officers and flag officers participate in the course. Each year the leadership course program is adapted to the current security challenges. The participants will also visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Ukraine and Germany. Nearly every year Lithuania is included in the list of the countries to be visited within the Capstone programme.
