On May 19 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas will meet with Minister of Defence of Norway Bjørn Arild Gram during his visit to Lithuania.
Minister will discuss the Lithuania-Norwegian defence cooperation, security situation in the region and other issues relevant to the agenda of the forthcoming NATO Summit in Madrid.
The guest will also visit the Norwegian military personnel deployed to Rukla with the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group.
The Lithuania-Norwegian defence cooperation is developed across various areas: defence policy planning, training. Also, in different formats: Nordic-Baltic, Northern, UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), that all enhance security cooperation.
Norway renders support to Lithuania for strengthening the military. The bilateral military cooperation was particularly intensified by the Ministry of National Defence project on acquisition of the Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) components and missiles. Norway has also transferred to Lithuania RBS-70 short-range air defence systems currently assigned to the Air Defence Battalion. The Lithuanian Armed Forces has ships procured from Norway, and more joint projects have been implemented as well.
Norwegian troops with equipment are deploying to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states and the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Rukla. In February earlier this year the Government of Norway decided to send additional mechanized infantry platoon with extra support elements. In total, the Norwegian strength in the eFP is now approx. 200.
Media advisory:
May 19, 8:35–8:45 a.m. Media statements by Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas and Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram (no Q&A).
Media representatives need to register to attend the press conference, via e-mail at [email protected] or phone at +370 682 92 582, until May 18, 5:00 p.m. Please give your full name, media outlet, contacts (cell phone no., e-mail address).
Freelance reporters and foreign media representatives will need accreditation issued by the Lithuanian MoD Strategic Communication and Public Relations Department.
