“In Vilnius, we look forward to the practical implementation of forward defense, to the adoption of new defense plans for the region, and to the enhancement of the air defense needs of the Baltic states,” Gitanas Nausėda said.
The President identified the need to renew the agreement among NATO members to increase defense spending as an important objective for the Vilnius Summit, in view of the strategic security landscape. The Lithuanian President also underlined that it was more important than ever for NATO countries to strengthen and develop defense industry.
In his meeting with the NATO Secretary General, the President also outlined the results of last week’s meeting between the leaders of the Lublin Triangle countries—Lithuania, Ukraine and Poland.
“We are convinced that a united political consensus has to be found in Vilnius on how to strengthen NATO-Ukraine ties and help Ukraine to achieve its strategic goal of realizing Euro-Atlantic aspirations. I believe that Ukraine fully deserves to be a part of NATO as soon as conditions allow,” Gitanas Nausėda spoke.
The President and the NATO Secretary General also discussed the issue of further military assistance to Ukraine.