The first high-level defence consultations ever held between Lithuania and Australia addressed regional security and cooperation opportunities on October 31 at the Ministry of National Defence.
During the visit, the delegation of the Australian Department of Defence discussed the regional security challenges with MoD Defence Policy Director Vaidotas Urbelis. The officials exchanged information about the Russian war in Ukraine and the assistance Lithuania and Australia were sending to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the challenges posed by China. The Australian guests were briefed on the security situation in Lithuania’s vicinity, Lithuania’s defence system, hybrid threats and plans ahead.
“Even though the distance between our countries is large, we see the threats the same. Australia is a strong NATO partner, we also value the possibility of bilateral cooperation with it,” said V. Urbelis.
V. Urbelis invited Australia to take part in and observe the exercises held in Lithuania, to join the Regional Cyber Defence Centre in Kaunas and the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius.
The guests from the Australian Department of Defence were also interested in Lithuania’s experience with disinformation challenges, public support to the Armed Forces, and paid a visit to the NATO Force Integration Unit in Vilnius.
Photo credit: MoD / K. Kavolėlis
