Joint press point

President Nausėda,
Gitanas,

Welcome to the NATO headquarters. It’s really a privilege and honour to meet you here.  Because Lithuania is such a staunch and committed NATO ally.  And therefore I appreciate this opportunity to also discuss a wide range of issues which are on the NATO agenda, with you.

It is 70 years since NATO was founded.  And 15 years since Lithuania joined the Alliance.

Over those years, Lithuania has shown time and again it is a committed Ally.

Your troops have helped to build security in Afghanistan.  You host a multinational NATO battlegroup in Rukla, boosting our defence and deterrence.

And you share expertise on energy security through the NATO Centre of Excellence in Vilnius.

Lithuania also leads by example on defence spending.  Investing in major equipment.  And committing to spend 2% of GDP on defence.

NATO can rely on Lithuania.  And Lithuania can rely on NATO.

Allied jets keep your skies safe.  Allied ships patrol the Baltic Sea.  And NATO’s battlegroups are in the region helping to prevent conflict and preserve peace.

NATO Allies also conduct regular training and exercises in Lithuania.   We are now working to increase our levels of readiness.  So that our reinforcements provide even more effective deterrence.  This shows the strength and the unity of our Alliance.

So Mr President, we have just discussed the current security situation.  Including Russia’s responsibility for the demise of the INF Treaty.  NATO will respond in a measured and responsible way to the threat posed by Russia’s SSC-8 system.  Allies remain firmly committed to the preservation of effective international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.  NATO does not want a new arms race.  And we have no intention to deploy new land-based nuclear missiles in Europe.

But NATO must and will maintain credible and effective deterrence and defence.  That is at the core of our mission.

So President, thank you for your strong personal commitment to NATO.

Last Month, Lithuania celebrated the anniversary of the Baltic Way.

30 years ago, nearly 2 million people formed a 600 km human chain through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.   They were united in their drive for freedom and independence.   Today, their dream is a reality. Lithuania is in NATO, and NATO is in Lithuania.

NATO safeguards your independence and your security.  As it does for every Ally.

So once again, welcome.  It’s a great pleasure to have you here and I’m pleased to give you the floor.