Col Sławomir Pawlikowski was accredited as Poland’s new Defence Attaché to Lithuania during a ceremony at the Ministry of National Defence Friday. He was welcomed to the position and wished success by Vice Minister of National Defence Margiris Abukevičius who underscored the shared history between Lithuania and Poland but also common security challenges and consequently a vital need to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation.
Poland has been a special partner and Ally our nation for many years. The Russian war in Ukraine has demonstrated how important it was to work together as we defend our shared values, interests and national security. We managed to respond quickly and effectively, however, the necessity to continue strengthening the defence cooperation remains high,” said Vice Minister M. Abukevičius at the accreditation ceremony.
The outgoing Defence Attaché of the Republic of Poland Lt Col Piotr Sadys was awarded the National Defence System Medal of Merit on behalf of the Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas for his work and effort to strengthen the bilateral cooperation.
The mutual support and coordination in response to the challenges arising in the region between Lithuania and Poland has grown over the past several years: the cooperation on defence planning, air defence, maritime situational awareness, acquisitions and cybersecurity has been intensified, a new format of Ministers of National Defence Council has been established, new joint military initiatives have been launched. Both countries have a shared understanding of the security in the eastern flank of NATO and the threat from Russia to the West, both countries coordinate in supporting Ukraine. Relations with Poland remain high on Lithuania’s security policy agenda.
The new Defence Attaché previously served across the Ministry of National Defence of Poland. Until 2019 he served as the Military, Naval and Air Attaché in Paris. His most recent position before the current appointment was at the Ministry of National Defence of Poland.
Photo credits: Sgt 1st Class A. Čemerka
