The Presidents discussed regional security and defense issues and the process of strengthening NATO’s eastern flank following the Madrid Summit. The meeting also focused on further political, military, economic, and humanitarian support to Ukraine as Russia continues its war against Ukraine, as well as on the need to extend sanctions against the aggressor.
“Today, in the face of Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine and continued threats against our countries, our meeting demonstrates that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, for our security and freedom. The coming years will demand a strong focus from all of us to strengthen our defense and security, whether at NATO, bilateral or national level,” the President said.
According to Gitanas Nausėda, the Alliance must be ready to defend every inch of its allies’ territory against any aggression, as this is the only way to guarantee effective deterrence. The focus on bilateral military cooperation between Lithuania and Poland is no less important than the efforts within the Alliance.
“We must strengthen bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Poland, since any response would first of all start with our own demonstrated resolve to act together. We must show that the Suwałki Corridor is not a dividing line, but rather a link that brings our two nations together to act jointly for the security and freedom of us all,” President Gitanas Nausėda underlined.
The Presidents also exchanged views on the strengthening of transatlantic relations and closer cooperation with the US to address the threats and challenges in the region.
In the evening, the two leaders will visit the Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytenis Main Support Logistics Battalion in Marijampolė.
