On February 22 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas will meet with Minister of Defence of Germany Christine Lambrecht who will be visiting Rukla. Minister will address regional tensions concerning the probable Russian invasion into Ukraine, bilateral cooperation on defence, and other pressing issues. Minister Christine Lambrecht will also meet with German military personnel deployed to Rukla and leadership of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group.
This is the second visit by Federal Minister of Defence to Lithuania. The first one took place last year, December 19.
Germany has been the framework nation and largest force contributor to the NATO eFP Battle Group Lithuania for five years, since its establishment. Approx. 600 troops in the currently approx. 1,200-strong multinational NATO eFP Battle Group are deployed by Germany. The country has also recently sent in additional 350 troops in response to the increasingly aggressive Russian military activity by the Ukrainian borders and deteriorating security environment in the Baltics.
Germany is one of Lithuania key allies in security and defence. It contributes to the development of the Lithuanian defensive capabilities, is a long-standing and close Lithuania’s partner on modernization the Lithuanian Armed Forces, weaponry and equipment. Germany and Lithuania invest together in improvement of training conditions for Allied and Lithuanian troops. On its behalf, Lithuania is prepared to offer proper host nation conditions for German and other Allied forces deployed to Lithuania, including through further development and extension of military infrastructure.
Media advisory
Members of the media are invited cover the ceremony and the planned press conference with the Lithuanian and the German Ministers of Defence at the Training Regiment at Rukla. Registration is required, open until February 21, 3.00 p.m. To register, send your name, media outlet and contacts (e-mail address, cell phone no.), at [email protected]. Registered media will be able to access the National Defence System upon presentation of personal ID document and press card.
Freelance reporters and foreign media representatives will need accreditation issued by the Lithuanian MoD Strategic Communication and Public Relations Department, e-mail [email protected]. Information required: attach a filled out questionnaire form, copies of a personal ID document and press card. The Questionnaire form can be found here: https://kam.lt/en/new.html?backlink=%252Fen%252Fsearch%252Fresults%252Fp0.html
Registered media representatives should arrive at the Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonušas Radvila Training Regiment (Jonavos r., Rukla, Karaliaus Mindaugo g. 11) on February 22 until 11.30 a.m.
During the event, it will be obligatory to observe the COVID-19 prevention measures: wearing FFP2 face-covering respirators, observing hygiene and safe distance requirements.
Contact Persons:
Asta Galdikaite, Strategic Communication and Public Affairs Department, Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, +370 687 90 765
1st Lt Aleksandr Seliuk, PAO for the Lithuanian Armed Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf , +370 698 89 219, [email protected]
