“We see Germany as a partner of extraordinary importance, and a firm support to Lithuania’s security. We look to strengthen and deepen our already close cooperation even more in the coming year,” said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas at a meeting on bilateral cooperation with the new Federal Minister of Defence, Christine Lambrecht, Sunday at Rukla. According to the Lithuanian Minister, Germany remains strongly committed to the security of our region.
“Germany took a decision of critical importance to our state and region when assuming the leadership of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania five years ago. As we are watching the developments near the border of Ukraine, I can only imagine what our society would feel like had you not been here. A persistent presence of Germany and other NATO allies in Lithuania is our key security guarantor,” said Minister A. Anušauskas.
Ch. Lambrecht assumed the office as the Minister of Defence of Germany just a little over a week ago and chose Lithuania as destination of her first official visit abroad. Minister is visiting the German forces serving in Rukla as part of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania. Germany has been leading and contributing the largest number of troops to the eFP battalion deployed in Lithuania since its deployment in early 2017 in response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine and military activity in the region.
Ministers focused on Ukraine when discussing regional security. A. Anušauskas underscored that Russia would not be deterred by simply diplomacy, therefore it was necessary to support Ukraine with every means possible. According to Minister, any follow-on of the situation at Ukraine’s borders will have implications on our regional security and Germany’s decisions will be critical in such context.
Germany is one of Lithuania’s key allies in security and defence – it contributes to Lithuania’s effort to develop military capabilities, it is a long-standing and close partner of Lithuania in the modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, weaponry, military equipment. Germany is not only the framework nation of the NATO eFP but also an active contributor to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states. The country has also become main Lithuania’s partner in the international operations in Mali and the Mediterranean.
