In his speech, the President underlined that during these years a new generation was born and raised in this country – a generation that sees NATO membership not as a distant hope, but as an everyday reality. Over this time, the entire Alliance has expanded and become stronger. The Lithuanian Armed Forces have completed a long road of modernization and today their combat readiness, weapons, ammunition, and procedures meet the highest NATO standards.
“Today, we are ready not only to defend ourselves but also, if necessary, to help our allies in self-defense. It is the spirit of collective responsibility and solidarity that is at the core of NATO’s essence and activities. Therefore, I am truly glad that Lithuanian society strongly supports NATO membership and politicians demonstrate the will to continue strengthening our armed forces,” the President said.
According to Gitanas Nausėda, this is vitally important in the face of current threats and challenges. The President emphasized that we see the immense suffering that the war started by Russia inflicts on the people of Ukraine and we realize that proper military training, strong motivation and international support make it possible not only to confront an aggressor with greater human and technological resources but also to achieve a decisive victory.
“I am glad that NATO countries support Ukraine in this extremely difficult time and that the Alliance places an increasingly stronger focus on securing its eastern flank. Whatever happens, we must stand united and work together to strengthen our capabilities as the most reliable deterrent. That is why I have great hopes for the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. This will be a historic event for Lithuania and, I believe, it will also be a historic event for the entire Alliance that needs long-term decisions on enlargement, capacity building and defense funding,” the President said.
Today, Lithuania is already covered by a strong collective defense shield. NATO forward-deployed forces, US rotational forces and the allied air policing mission are stationed in our country. Lithuania is preparing to host even more German troops and provide storage, accommodation and training capabilities. Full NATO membership of Finland and Sweden is also expected, which would significantly strengthen the security of the entire Baltic Sea region.
