During the meeting, Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that Lithuania appreciated Germany’s contribution to the security of the region and its long-standing commitment to enhance it.
“Defense cooperation between Lithuania and Germany is an important component of the security of Lithuania and the entire eastern flank of NATO,” the President pointed out. According to the Gitanas Nausėda, Lithuania seeks to accelerate the strengthening of NATO’s forward and air defense, given the security situation in the region.
In the President’s view, the presence of the Allies on the territory of Lithuania is of paramount importance to this country, and every effort is being made to create the necessary infrastructure to be able to host a full German brigade in Lithuania as soon as possible. Lithuania is grateful to Germany for its long-term commitment and is ready to continue working together to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank.
The Lithuanian leader underlined the need to continue allied military support for Ukraine in the context of Russia’s ongoing war, and to ensure that it remained undiminished and in line with the needs of the country at war.
President Gitanas Nausėda also pointed out the need for NATO allies to increase their defense spending by allocating at least 2% of GDP for this purpose. This, according to the President, would not only ensure the ability to continue to provide consistent support for Ukraine, but would also significantly strengthen own defense capabilities. Gitanas Nausėda expressed the hope that a consensus on this issue would be reached at the NATO Summit in Vilnius.
