“NATO took a critical decision to establish the Forward multinational battle groups in the Baltic states and Poland five years ago. It is an especially important demonstration of NATO solidarity and unity in the face of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and a clear signal to the aggressor,” said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas meeting Minister of Defence of Luxembourg François Bausch on May 5.
“We see Russia as a long-term security threat which will not go away regardless of when the war against Ukraine ends. The undertaken military actions demonstrate Russia’s clear-cut strategic goals to expand the Russian territory at the expense of other Eastern and Central European countries,” Minister A. Anušauskas underscored. He also expressed gratitude to Luxembourg for financial support to the Lithuanian Armed Forces and for deploying reinforcing capabilities to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group at Rukla.
Minister of National Defence Kr A. Anušauskas assured that Lithuania was ready to do its share and provide proper conditions for the presence of Luxembourg’s and other allies’ forces in Lithuania, to ensure every host nation support necessary, including through development of military infrastructure and training areas.
Ministers also discussed further defence cooperation and agreed to make every effort to continue providing support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in order to meet their constantly updated requirement.
Other topics of the meeting with Minister of Defence the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg F. Bausch were issues related to the deliverables expected from the upcoming NATO Summit in Madrid.
