February 9, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas met with Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Kajsa Ollongren on her first visit to Lithuania and discussed the deteriorating security situation in the region. Minister thanked K. Ollongren for the weighty contribution of the Netherlands to ensuring regional security.
“We are grateful to the Netherlands for their persistent presence in Lithuania. The Dutch contribution in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion is extremely significant and appreciated. We expect their presence to be sustained and strengthened as the regional security situation is deteriorating,” said A. Anušauskas.
Framework nation of the NATO eFP Battle Group Lithuania announced it was assigning additional troops to the battalion at Rukla earlier this week.
Minister underscored that thanks to the Northlands and Germany, the NATO eFP Lithuania was fully ready to act in concert with national forces in case of a conflict of crisis.
“NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Groups have strengthened Alliance deterrence and defence in the Baltic Sea region. I am delighted to be able to mark the 5th anniversary of their establishment alongside the Netherlands Minister of Defence, and to continue the cooperation and contribution to a stronger regional security,” said Minister.
A. Anušauskas also stressed that Ukraine was also in dire need of support from NATO and European Union countries too.
Photo credits: MoD/A.Pliadis.
