The officials exchanged views on common security challenges in the continents of Europe and Asia, and discussed prospects of bilateral defence cooperation between Lithuania and Japan in energy and cybersecurity and crisis management.
“It is important to retain and further develop the bilateral relations and contacts we have. Both countries find themselves in a complex security situation, therefore it is necessary to exchange information and threat assessments,” Vice Minister V. Umbrasas said. He underscored that Lithuania wishes to continue the cooperation with Japan on cadet and officer training, energy and cybersecurity and crisis management. He also said that the Ministry of National Defence has an interest in holding regular consultations and taking part in forums and debates.
Security and defence cooperation of Lithuania and Japan is conducted through specific projects and initiatives. In 2009–2013 Lithuania and Japan cooperated in the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Ghor Province as part of the NATO operation in Afghanistan.
In summer 2016 the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Training Squadron conducted a visit to Lithuania to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Japan and to further develop bilateral defence cooperation. The visit was carried out by three vessels and approximately 750 naval and civilian personnel of the Japan Self Defence Forces.
Experts of Japan also deliver lectures at the Military Academy of Lithuania in Vilnius and the Baltic Defence College in Tartu, Estonia.
