On February 15 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas met with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Lithuania HE Inger Buxton to discuss relevant aspects of bilateral cooperation, as well as the European Union and NATO formats.
“The relations between Lithuania and Sweden are an example of excellent cooperation: the countries enjoy are particularly productive cooperation in the area of acquisitions,” Minister A. Anušauskas said at the meeting.
When briefing Ambassador on the priorities of the new Government, Minister A. Anušauskas underlined strengthening of the public resilience where ”Sweden’s experience in universal defence and psychological resilience would be absolutely valuable for Lithuania,” he said.
The new Government of Lithuania will also focus significantly on elimination of unreliable manufacturers from objects critical to national security infrastructure (including G5). Sweden adopted restrictions for Huawei hardware in its 5G networks.
It was agreed at the meeting that assistance to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova continue being prioritised and further discussed in the Nordic-Baltic format.
The Lithuanian-Swedish security and defence cooperation has been active since Lithuania’s restoration of independence. Prior to Lithuania’s NATO accession, Sweden rendered comprehensive assistance to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Weaponry and equipment were transferred, projects of medical assistance, fitting up sea and coastal surveillance system, air defence battalion, and air base, to name but a few, were completed, Lithuanian officers studied at Swedish military education institutions.
Lithuania and Sweden cooperate as part of various multinational security and defence formats, such as the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy, UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, Nordic-Baltic 8, Northern Group, etc.
The present-day cooperation between Lithuanian and Swedish militaries is developed at unit level, with the closest cooperation ongoing between air and naval forces, and military medical services.
Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis (MoD)
