Chancellor of the Ministry if National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania Dainius Ivoškis and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands HE Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford signed a bilateral agreement between the respective countries on exchange and mutual protection of classified information.
“The agreement establishes conditions for a secure exchange of classified information between the Lithuanian and the Dutch Ministries of Defence and other competent institutions. It identifies commitments and obligations of the parties aimed at ensuring protection of classified information, including the procedures of visit arrangement, classified information transfer, investigation of violations, cost sharing, and other practical aspects,” says MoD Chancellor D. Ivoškis.
The agreement comes as a result of successful negotiations between Lithuanian and Dutch security institutions. The talks were conducted in the spirit of constructive cooperation, transparency and mutual respect, which perfectly captures the commitment of both countries to a stronger European security cooperation.
“The agreement signed on protection of classified information is one more step forward in strengthening the cooperation of the Republic of Lithuania and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the wider security area,” says Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands HE Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford.
Aside from direct benefits of classified information exchange and protection, the agreement also serves as a strong legal and procedural framework for a secure cooperation between the institutions. It also offers premises for a closer cooperation for the implementation of future defence programs joint projects and strategic initiatives.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is one of the largest contributors to the NATO Multinational Battle Group Lithuania. The country also actively supports the efforts of strengthening the Lithuanian National Defence System by posting the Commander of the NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) Lithuania for the three-year term, deploying the Patriot air and missile defence systems in the Šiauliai Airbase, continuous cooperation on weaponry and military equipment acquisitions, and joint contribution in bilateral and multinational security and defence programs.
