“An Alliance-wide growth of defence spending is increasing for the sixth consecutive year. That not only demonstrates NATO unity but also outlines a clear perspective of the Alliance: further strengthening of deterrence and collective defence and more readiness to respond to changing threats, Minister of National Defence Raimundas Karoblis said on the first day of virtual NATO Defence Ministers meeting. The event focused on fairer burden sharing and enhancing deterrence and defence.
“Lithuania reached the 2 percent of GDP defence spending commitment two years ago. We will certainly retain it: the geopolitical situation in the region binds us.” R. Karoblis said. “We will be able to ensure readiness for defence and hosting of NATO reinforcement better, which we need as a NATO border country.”
NATO Defence Ministers evaluated the progress made in strengthening the Alliance deterrence and defence posture in the context of unceasing Russian efforts to develop missile, conventional, nuclear, and other capabilities, and not cutting down exercises and other activities despite COVID-19. Lithuania’s efforts in the area are best seen in disinformation countermeasures, energy security measures, and allied military mobility improvement.
On the second day of the Ministerial NATO defence Ministers will discuss NATO operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. By request of the Government of Iraq, NATO plans expanding the mission that trains local security institutions to stabilize the country and fight terrorist groups and ISIS. Lithuania has proposed to extend our mandate in the mission which is now processed at the Seimas. The potential contribution from Lithuania in composition of the Danish Contingent will join the unity of NATO efforts to help stabilize Iraq. One Lithuanian soldier is currently deployed to the NATO Mission Iraq, and two more are planned to deploy to the area of operation in the end of October. While peace negotiations are ongoing in Afghanistan, it is worrisome that the level of violence is not decreasing. NATO Allies have agreed to closely coordinate with one another concerning a potential withdraw of forces to benefit the peace process. The current contingent of Operation Resolute Support is roughly 16 thousand military personnel from 38 countries, including 40 Lithuanian soldiers.
Photo : courtesy of NATO HQ
