On November 18-19 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas took part in the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada. He had meetings with Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific and members of the German Bundestag.
When addressing the NATO: Necessary panel, Minister A. Anušauskas highlighted the need to accelerate the implementation of the NATO defence plans agreed to in Madrid and Vilnius Summits. It has been agreed to strengthen the air defence in the eastern part of the Alliance and ensure that the Allied defence and security budgets are not smaller than 2 % of GDP, as a matter or urgency for the sake of Allied security.
Minister also accentuated the importance of sustained assistance to Ukraine, saying that “Lithuania has and will support Ukraine’s fight for as long as it takes because it is the security of Europe and the world that is decided on that battlefield. EUR 131,93 billion has been given in European assistance to Ukraine already. Moreover, the European Union is weighing an additional assistance package of EUR 50 billion. The Old Continent makes a serious contribution in helping Ukraine prevail, however, the American input is decisive. Therefore, all efforts must be made to ensure a relentless support,” underscored A. Anušauskas at the round-table discussion.
NATO is the guarantor of the European, Euro-Atlantic and global security, therefore the Allies must be ready for collective defence, to support Ukraine and cooperate with the global partners, said Minister of National Defence at the meeting with Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific Gen Charles A. Flynn. In the discussion on the security threats and challenges in the Indo-Pacific, A. Anušauskas pointed out Lithuania’s leadership in support to Taiwan. Minister also noted the steadfast support of the United States calling the U.S. force and the NATO enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania a security guarantee.
The meeting with the Bundestag delegation addressed the consistent military cooperation between Lithuania and Germany and the action plan for stationing the German brigade in Lithuania. Taip pat A. Anušauskas also invited Germany to join the demining coalition for Ukraine assembled by Lithuania.
Held by the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Canadian Government, the Halifax International Security Forum is the largest international conference of such kind in Canada. It annually convenes the most renowned political strategists, defence and military representatives and analysts from North America, Europe and Asia.
Photo credit: MoD
