Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė discussed the necessity of strengthening of the critical Baltic Sea infrastructure, NATO agenda, stepping up defence spending and capability development with the Baltic and Nordic Ministers of Defence in Germany today.
Bilateral meetings with Minister of Defence of Sweden Pal Jonson, Minister of Defence of Finland Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Defence of Italy Guido Crosetto, Minister of National Defence of Poland Wladyslav Kosiniak-Kamysz, and Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Ruben Brekelmans were held on the sidelines of the Ramstein format meeting. Minister also got in touch with counterparts from Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Luxembourg, and Spain.
“We need to prevent aggressive actions of hostile states in the Baltic Sea from becoming a normal behavior. Security of critical undersea infrastructure is becoming a priority, therefore we support the NATO decision to strengthen and multiply naval forces in the Baltic Sea. We intend to assemble experts of the Baltic Sea region to develop an interpretation of exceptions in the international maritime law in order to solve legal issues posed by security provision,” said Minister D. Šakalienė meeting Ministers of Defence of Sweden and Finland.
At the meeting with the Swedish counterpart D. Šakalienė underscored that Lithuania’s latest decisions to acquire the CV-90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles and the RBS70 NG (MSHORAD) mobile short-range air defence system highlighted our commitment to strengthen our defensive posture and support the NATO collective defence. Minister pointed out that it was also an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Lithuanian-Swedish cooperation in the area of defence industry.
Also, the potential withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention was discussed with regional partners. Leaders is built for a regional decision.
At the meeting with Defence Minister of Italy D. Šakalienė discussed air defence strengthening plans and opportunities for Italy’s contribution to the practical implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model.
“We appreciate Italy’s valuable contribution to regional security. European security is directly linked to the defence of the northeastern flank in the face of the lasting military threat of Russia and Belarus,” noted Minister.
At the meetings D. Šakalienė also underscored the necessity to increase European defence spending and strengthen defence industry at a significant pace, as well as to invest in military mobility, cyber security, ensure countermobility and proper infrastructure. Lithuania plans to budget 3.91% of GDP for defence, budget review will take place in February to provide finance for the matter.
