The Minister underscored in his address that Lithuania would continue contributing to a stronger security in the UN framework and is a genuine supporter of the UN systemic reform which had integrity in ensuring security and stability at its core.
The Minister pointed out that considering the modest size of Lithuania, it was looking for more efficient bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to increase the effect of its contribution to peace and security worldwide. Bilateral cooperation with Germany which encompasses Lithuania’s participation in multinational operations (EUNAVFOR MED SOPHIA and UN MINUSMA) in German contingents was given as an example.
In its turn, Germany contributes greatly to Lithuania’s security – the NATO enhance Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania is led and mainly manned by Germany.
One of the most recent cases of the two countries’ cooperation is the Force Protection Unit formed mainly by the National Defence Volunteer Force personnel and serving in composition of the German Contingent in the UN-led MINUSMA mission (Gao, Mali). The Minister assured that Lithuania would make efforts to maintain its contribution to the peacekeeping UK missions and to increase the number of women deployed to multinational operations.
Currently Lithuania contributes 39 soldiers (the Force Protection Unit deployed in Gao in composition of the German Contingent, and staff officers) to one of the UN operations – Operation MINUSMA in Mali. On the basis of the mandate issued by the Seimas, Lithuania can send up to 40 military and civilian personnel to the mission.
Minister of National Defence Raimundas Karoblis is conducting a visit in Canada on November 14-20. He will also go to Halifax to take part in the Halifax International Security Forum. The event will address international security challenges and the measures the Trans-Atlantic community should turn to counter them.
