The Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania coordinates with the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany Germany’s needs in preparation of hosting the Allied brigade in Lithuania. Vice Ministers of National Defence Vilius Semeška and Margiris Abukevičius discussed the most important aspects of deploying the brigade assigned to Lithuania with State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence Benedikt Zimmer visiting Vilnius on September 13.
Lithuanian and German top officials agreed back in June on assignment of a German brigade to Lithuania, the 41st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Forward Command Element, 1st Panzer Division of the Bundeswehr deployed to Lithuania earlier this month. V. Semeška underscored to B. Zimmer while discussing the ongoing and planned infrastructure and acquisition projects that Lithuania was doing everything possible to be able to host the Allied brigade to full extent.
“The German troop presence in Lithuania is one of the decisive factors of deterrence. We welcome the reinforced German component in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group and their commitment to reinforce their presence in Lithuania even more up to brigade level. The Forward Command Component of the brigade has been already deployed and we are doing everything necessary to be able to host the full brigade as soon and excellently as possible. We have planned and launched joint projects with Germany for developing infrastructure, Host Nation Support is expanded and joint weaponry acquisitions are agreed,” V. Semeška said.
Vice Minister M. Abukevičius discussed with the German guest NATO adaptation and next NATO Summit and underscore the importance of assistance to Ukraine.
“We are looking forward to a steadfast cooperation between our countries in implementing the decisions of the NATO Summit in Madrid and in preparing for the NATO Summit in Vilnius next year, Strengthening deterrence and defence must remain a NATO priority. Especially air defence which is of a particular relevance to us. Assistance to Ukraine has to remain high on the agenda as well,” said M. Abukevičius.
Photo credits: MoD / K. Kavolėlis
