While addressing bilateral defence cooperation between Lithuania and Poland Minister of Defence of Poland said it had never been so excellent before. He also underlined that Lithuania was the closest NATO ally to Poland in terms of defence cooperation.
"We are living near the same neighbours and we see the threat that they are the same way. This is the reason why bilateral cooperation between our nations is vital for the security of both, Lithuania and the entire region. Only if we stand together strong as a fist can we ensure our security," J.Olekas stated at a joint press conference with Minister of Defence of Poland.
According to Minister of National Defence, he shared the view with his Polish counterpart that NATO measures of deterrence and presence of allies, particularly the U.S. forces, in the region were particularly important.
"We have also reached a solid agreement that a tighter integration among them should be aimed for. It not only demonstrates our solidarity, but also brings great practical benefits, that is, enhancement of the security in our region, of interoperability of our forces, and of efficiency of the use of our resources for exercises," J.Olekas underlined.
Juozas Olekas thanked Poland for the efforts the country contributed to the security of the Baltic region and for its already sixth deployment to the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission. In his turn, T. Semoniak asserted that Poland would continue sending troops to police the Baltic skies.
J.Olekas expressed support to Poland's intent to strengthen the NATO Multinational Corps Northeast stationed in Szczecin and informed of Lithuania's decision to increase its input there by up to 10 soldiers in 2015.
In a discussion with T. Siemoniak on the support to Ukraine J.Olekas underscored that deterrence and containment of Russia was needed not only at the NATO borders but also in Ukraine, therefore assistance had to be rendered to Ukraine as it defended itself.
"We are providing Ukraine with not only political but also with practical assistance. We will continue rendering humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation for injured Ukraine's military in Lithuania, and develop the trilateral brigade LITPOLUKRBAT project together with Poland," J. Olekas said.
According to Minister J.Olekas, Lithuanian military would join the headquarters of the trilateral brigade in Lublin as soon as in 2015 and it would be worked as hard as it takes to have the brigade training as a military unit within the shortest while possible.
