The President underlined that in a changed security situation in the region the Baltic States must also take all the necessary measures to ensure their own security. We must not only increase our defense spending, but also complete the manning of the Lithuanian armed forces, increase the ability of our citizens to defend their state, and acquire sophisticated military equipment.
According to the President, Estonia can serve as a role model in terms of strengthening military capabilities. Estonia is currently the only Baltic country, which allocates 2% of the GDP for its national defense. It has retained a mixed type of armed forces and has a successfully operating conscription system, which is upheld by even 94% of Estonians. This country purchases modern armaments, including armored fighting vehicles. Lithuania is also consistently increasing defense spending and has reintroduced compulsory military draft; it intends to purchase armored vehicles.
The President and the Prime Minister also exchanged views on regional energy security. According to President Grybauskaitė, integration of the Baltic States in the EU energy market continues to be a top priority. Therefore, it is essential to form efficiently functioning electricity and gas markets in the region, build energy interconnections with Northern and Western Europe, and synchronize the Baltic power transmission system with the continental European grid.
With the completion of the Klaipėda liquefied natural gas terminal in Lithuania, good results have been achieved in creating the regional gas market. The LNG terminal launched this year opened an alternative and secure way for gas supplies to the region. Estonia expressed interest in the possibility to import gas via the Klaipėda terminal and has already signed initial natural gas supply agreements with Lithuania. 20% of Estonia's imported gas is purchased from Lithuania.
The President thanked Estonia's Prime Minister for his country's support to Lithuania's aspiration for membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Yesterday, the OECD Council unanimously decided to invite Lithuania to open negotiations on its membership in this organisation.
