Joint Statement by the Ministers
On May 18 Minister of National Defence Raimundas Karoblis met with his Latvian and Estonian counterparts via a video teleconference to discuss implications of the COVID-19 situation on defence capabilities and readiness, as well as NATO and European Union agendas, and the joint Baltic projects in the area of defence.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted not only health but also security crises, we are monitoring an increased stream of disinformation and cyberattacks. The Armed Forces have actively engaged in the coronavirus crisis management in all countries, including Lithuania, therefore the pandemic has once again demonstrated the necessity to maintain the readiness of armed forces. With these circumstances in mind, we have to continue ensuring the 2% of GDP defence financing,” R. Karoblis emphasized at the meeting.
Minister of National Defence also pointed out that the COVID-19 situation had not changed the core functions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and that its effects on the readiness had been minimal, and in the meanwhile the Lithuanian Armed Forces were engaged in rendering vital assistance to civilian institutions in managing the pandemic.
The Baltic Defence Ministers addressed the NATO deterrence and defence measures and underscored the importance of respecting the transatlantic commitments of defence financing.
Ministers also exchanged information on national positions on key points of the EU agenda, including the longstanding financial European support and the importance of military mobility.
Related photo
