Prime Minister discusses progress in stationing of German Brigade, regional security, and support for Ukraine with Germany’s Defence Minister
On Thursday, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and Minister for National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who is currently visiting Lithuania.
‘It is very important that the historic decision to station the German brigade in Lithuania is being accompanied by close efforts from our two countries to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly by 2027. We are grateful to Germany for taking the lead on regional security, something that Lithuania greatly values,’ said Prime Minister Šimonytė. She also praised Minister Pistorius’s speech in the Seimas, which addressed both the current security situation and the critical importance of NATO allies working together.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Lithuania’s commitment to providing the necessary conditions for German servicemen and their families, as stipulated in the Agreement on Defence Cooperation between Lithuania and Germany signed on 13 September.
The meeting noted other signs of the strengthening partnership between Lithuania and Germany, including the planned Rheinmetall munitions plant in Lithuania. Prime Minister Šimonytė emphasized that Lithuania is open to creating more success stories that would enhance security, prosperity, and cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting also covered the security situation in the region in the context of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, also Russia’s hybrid aggression against countries supporting Ukraine.
The long-term security of the world will depend on who writes the peace scenario in Ukraine – the aggressor state that started the war, or Ukraine itself, which is defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Prime Minister Šimonytė. Russia’s blackmail and intimidation must not prevent us from continuing and stepping up support for Ukraine, whatever it takes for its victory.