On March 3 Vice Minister of National Defence Margiris Abukevičius discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation at a meeting with Ambassador of France to Lithuania HE Claire Lignieres-Counathe, a particular focus was given to international operations, regional security and cooperation within NATO and the European Union.
“Deployment of French military personnel to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, their active participation in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Rukla and international exercises in Lithuania significantly contributes to deterrence and defence in the Baltic region – that is a clear allied message of unity, readiness and capability to defend NATO,” Vice Minister M. Abukevičius said thanking France for the support and weighty input into the efforts to strengthen security of the Baltic region.
Vice Minister M. Abukevičius stressed that even though Lithuania was most alert to security challenges from the East, it understood the threats from the South well and was continuously increasing its contribution to the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union missions and operations. “More than half of Lithuanian military personnel deployed to multinational operations are serving in Africa,” said Vice Minister.
Other topics discussed were the Lithuanian-French cooperation in the area of cyber security and better accessibility of EU defence initiatives for transatlantic partners.
A public opinion poll carried out in December 2020 shows that 87 percent of the respondents have a favourable opinion on the NATO membership of Lithuania and 83 percent approve of the presence of NATO allies on the Lithuanian territory.
Defence cooperation of Lithuania and France
The two countries develop cooperation through various formats: NATO, European Union, bilaterally, etc. France is one of the most active contributors to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states: it is conducting its eighth rotation at the moment (five rotations have been conducted from Šiauliai Air Base, two from Estonia, and one from Poland) and one augmentation (conducted from Malbork Air Base in Poland).
France also contributes a company-sized reinforced manoeuvre unit to the NATO eFP and the Baltic security. France has its fourth contingent deployed to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence since 2017. In 2017 and 2018 France also took part in the NATO eFP in Estonia, and in 2018 and 2020 – in Lithuania. Currently approx. They bring their original weaponry and vehicles ( VBCI infantry fighting vehicles and Leclerc tanks).
In 2014 Lithuanian soldiers with C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were providing logistical support to French national operation Sangaris in the Central African Republic. That is one of the best instances of cooperation with France in multinational operations so far. France is calling for more contributions to missions in Africa.
The countries also cooperate in military training. Lithuanian soldiers are invited to enhance qualification in courses and apprenticeships in France. Academic student exchange is conducted between the Saint-Cyr Military Academy and the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania (French cadets study English while Lithuanians study for one semester at the Saint-Cyr Military Academy). Since 2012, a French language course is delivered at the Gen Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania by a French teacher according to an agreement with the Embassy of France.
France also contributes to the activity of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius as one of the framework nations, a French officer has been the second in command at the centre since 2013.
Photo credits: G.Maksimovicz-Alkema
