At the Munich Security Conference on February 17–19 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas met with high political, military and defence industry figures to discuss the security situation of Lithuania and the entire region, means required to ensure security, oncoming NATO Summit in Vilnius and assistance to Ukraine. He heard the importance of Lithuania’s support to Ukraine underlined more than once.
Over three days of the Conference Minister met with Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs of Japan Masami Oka, Commander, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Christopher Cavoli, Chief of the U.S. National Guard Bureau General Daniel Hokanson, British Shadow Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, Member of the German Parliament Roderich Kiesewetter, Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG weaponry manufacturer, President and CEO of the Atlantic Council Frederick Kempe, and took part in a discussion at the invitation of retired general former Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis.
Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Chief of the U.S. National Guard Bureau noted Lithuania’s consistent work and progress on strengthening the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
“We are making purposeful efforts in infrastructure development, acquisitions and proper host nation services to Allies in Lithuania,” stated Minister of Defence A. Anušauskas at the meetings.
The meeting with the Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs of Japan focussed on the security situation as well as further cooperation development prospects that Lithuania valued.
The discussions that had taken place at the Munich Security Conference and on the sidelines proved yet again that the Western leaders were well-aware of the threats and ready to respond adequately with assistance to Ukraine until it fights of the aggressor and as long as it takes afterwards. Also, support has been voiced to consideration by the international community of holding Russia accountable for its war crimes and destruction of Ukraine. Held for the 59th time this year, the Munich Security Conference has been organized since 1963, it is an annual high-level debate platform that addressed the most pressing modern foreign and security policy challenges
