According to the Lithuanian leader, the Vilnius Summit is a well-timed opportunity for agreeing to further strengthen the security of NATO’s eastern flank and the region. The President underlined that air defense and the reinforcement of allied forces in the Baltic region are essential conditions for effective deterrence. Allied unity and commitment to collective defense send a strong signal to the aggressor and must be strongly upheld, the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda underscored the importance of providing support to Ukraine and taking decisions to enhance NATO-Ukraine collaboration. According to the President, Ukraine is part of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture and cooperation between Ukraine and NATO should move to a political level, with a clear perspective on membership. The President highlighted the need to continue full support for Ukraine until the aggressor is defeated and peace returns to Europe.
“Respect for democracy and freedom unites Lithuania and Iceland. I thank Iceland for its principled position on Russia’s war in Ukraine and its substantial support for Ukraine. The fight of Ukrainians against the aggressor is the fight of the whole of Europe for peace, freedom and fundamental values. We must win it together,” the President said.
