“Improvement of defence plans, returning to the rhythm of joint exercises with our allies post-COVID-19, and strengthening of the transatlantic bond are the key elements for strengthening regional defence and retaining deterrence,” Minister of National Defence Raimundas Karoblis said in Latvia (Alūksne, Gulbene) on June 15 at a meeting with his Baltic counterparts and visit to a military base near Alūksne to view military infrastructure development projects.
At a meeting with Latvian Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks and Estonian Minister of Defence Jüri Luik, positions on the most topical regional security aspects were coordinated ahead of the oncoming European Union and NATO Defence Ministerials.
“We have to secure a lasting attention of the Alliance to the Baltic region and continuity of the launched security initiatives as we prepare for the upcoming NATO Defence Ministers meeting,” R. Karoblis stressed.
Baltic Defence Minister also connected with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg via a video teleconference. They expressed gratitude for the support concerning the NATO military presence in the Baltic states. “The coronavirus crisis has once again demonstrated the unity and ability of the allies to manage a crisis, but as the virus recedes, we need to ensure a consistent and constantly honed military readiness,” R. Karoblis said. Baltic Defence Ministers reiterated the 2% of GDP defence financing goal and the commitment to continue defence capability development projects. NATO Secretary General J. Stoltenberg in his turn urged to keep in mind that defence investments were investments into the economic recovery at the same time, therefore defence financing needed to be proportional to actual threats.
When addressing EU agenda, including the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Ministers underscored that the common objective of the three Baltic states in negotiations remained to be a secure funding for military mobility.
They also reiterated their commitments to continue an active defence policy dialogue and to further develop joint projects and programs of the Baltic defence cooperation.
Minister of National Defence and his counterparts also paid respects to World War I victims and freedom fighters by laying flowers at the memorial in Gulbene.
