During the meeting, the President and the Ambassador discussed Lithuania’s security in an increasingly complex environment of threats and challenges, as well as Lithuania’s security interests, defense goals and measures for their implementation.
The President emphasized that the coronavirus crisis is not only a health challenge but also a geopolitical challenge which may affect the security situation. However, this must not change the ongoing NATO adaptation processes through deterrence and defense measures, including the deterrence of Russia which does not renounce aggressive behavior. The meeting emphasized the need to remain vigilant and maintain readiness, as the coronavirus crisis does not reduce security threats in Europe, including our neighborhood, but rather enables them to grow. We cannot allow this crisis to undermine the long-term defense goals and plans.
The President highlighted that enhancing support to our Eastern partners with euro-Atlantic aspirations was highly important to ensure Lithuania’s security interests. “Lithuania should assume leadership in consolidating allied support to Ukraine and Georgia. Security of our Eastern partners is the precondition of our own security,” the President said.
The President wished Ambassador Matulionis to continue building the image of Lithuania as a reliable ally that is able to act in solidarity and responsibly fulfill its commitments. President Nausėda also stressed the importance of the transatlantic link and its indispensability for security in Europe, as well as unity and solidarity as the strongest weapon in the fight against unforeseen challenges that countries cannot overcome today by acting alone.
Ambassador Matulionis will start his term of office at NATO as of April 20.
