"Forward presence is the key element for implementing the adaptation and credible deterrence of the Alliance. Therefore I welcome the decision to enhance Alliance's forward presence in the eastern part of NATO. In our turn, we seek to have an allied battalion unit in Lithuania," Juozas Olekas said at the NATO Defence Ministerial.
Minister J.Olekas pointed out that NATO presence is expected to be defined in terms of concept and detail by summer. The Lithuanian Minister underscored that it should be a combat-ready forward presence integrated with national forces and capable of responding immediately in case of aggression.
According to the Minister of National Defence, NATO is to draw a roster for the rotating presence for the long-term. "Lithuania builds on its national capabilities and is ready to render full host national support for allied forces," Minister J.Olekas said at the meeting.
On February 11 the Defence ministers of the Alliance are expected to take decisions to enhance NATO's response to hybrid threats and speed the decision-making processes. The Ministers will also discuss the development of cyber defences, cooperation with other international organisations, primarily the European Union, and take stock of the progress achieved on the ballistic missile defence project.
At a joint session with NATO's Enhanced Partners (Sweden, Finland, Austria, Georgia and Jordan) and representatives of the EU the NATO Defence Ministers will share views on the possible solutions to the security threats coming from its southern and eastern neighbourhoods.
Further on, a session of the NATO-Georgia Commission will review the implementation of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) and possibilities of increasing the assistance.
