The President was interested in how NATO's permanent air policing mission was carried out in the Baltic States over the past several days and what national defence measures were taken to ensure the security of Lithuania's airspace. She got acquainted with the procedures for responding to airspace violations.
"Lithuanian people are safe. We are ready to defend ourselves and we are protected by NATO. We are in the strongest defence alliance that is based on the principles of solidarity and mutual assistance. We have NATO's collective defence guarantees and concrete contingency plans in place. All appropriate measures are undertaken to ensure Lithuania's security," the President said.
She also observed the flight of T-scramble fighter jets performed by the U.S. air personnel currently in charge of the NATO air policing mission in the Baltics.
According to the President, Lithuania is closely following military exercises conducted by Russian troops in the Alliance's neighborhood, promptly exchanging information with its partners in NATO and the European Union. Common position and actions of all allies are constantly coordinated.
Dalia Grybauskaitė also underlined that NATO visibility in the Baltic States must be increased and defense capabilities must be strengthened. To this end, she noted, NATO's regular exercises are needed in the region as they would contribute to boosting preparedness of Lithuanian and allied troops, strengthening their abilities to coordinate military actions and carry out joint military operations.
