September 17, Minister of National Defence of Lithuania Raimundas Karoblis and Minister of National Defence of Poland Mariusz Błaszczak discussed regional security situation, bilateral initiatives for strengthening regional security – cooperation of armed forces to ensure defensibility of the Suwalki Gap and the aspiration to have a persistent U.S. military presence in Europe and the region – and other topical aspects of NATO agenda at a meeting in Vilnius.
“We welcome the gathering pace of cooperation with Poland of the recent years. We hope it does not run out. We are bound together by an abundance of common interests in keeping the region safe,” Minister R. Karoblis underscored.
Minister of National Defence of Poland is visiting Lithuania with the delegation of Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Moravieski. They are here to take part in the Polish-Lithuanian Ministerial, Chancellors of the Governments and Prime Ministers’ conference at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania on September 17.
Lithuania’s defence cooperation with Poland is critical for the security of Lithuania and the whole region. As part of the defence cooperation, the two countries signed a bilateral agreement on creating a secure connection for radar data exchange. It will facilitate enhancement of regional defence with our partners, and continue the development of a unified air defence system. Lithuanian and Polish brigades are affiliated to the headquarters of a NATO division which significantly strengthens both countries’ ability to act together in defending the Suwalki Gap in the event of a crisis or war and in contribution to a stronger NATO deterrence and defence in the eastern flank of the Alliance. Poland also joined the European Union Cyber Rapid Response Teams project initiated by Lithuania.
Photo credits: G.Maksimovicz-Alkema
