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Speech by President Gitanas Nausėda on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of Lithuania's membership in NATO

President of the Republic of Lithuania

March 29, 2023

Congratulations to all of you on this very special occasion. Exactly nineteen years ago Lithuania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. During that time a new generation was born and raised in this country - a generation that sees NATO membership not as a distant hope, but as an everyday reality.

Throughout this time, it is not only our young people who have grown and matured. The entire Alliance has expanded and become stronger. The Lithuanian Armed Forces have completed a long road of modernization. Today, its combat readiness, weaponry, ammunition, and procedures meet the highest NATO standards. The Lithuanian army is prepared to operate together with allied forces as their integral part.

Today, we must be ready not only to defend ourselves but also, if necessary, to help our allies in self-defense. It is the spirit of collective responsibility and solidarity that is at the core of NATO's essence and activities.

Therefore, I am truly glad that Lithuanian society strongly supports NATO membership and politicians demonstrate the will to continue strengthening our armed forces.

This is vitally important in the face of current threats and challenges. We see the immense suffering that the war started by Russia inflicts on the people of Ukraine. We also realize that proper military training, strong motivation and international support make it possible not only to confront an aggressor with greater human and technological resources but also to achieve a decisive victory.

I am glad that NATO countries support Ukraine in this extremely difficult time and that the Alliance places an increasingly stronger focus on securing its eastern flank. Whatever happens, we must stand united and work together to strengthen our capabilities as the most reliable deterrent.

That is why I have great hopes for the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. This will be a historic event for Lithuania as it moves forward to celebrate twenty years of NATO membership. I believe it will also be a historic event for the entire Alliance that needs long-term decisions on enlargement, capacity building and defense financing.

Today, Lithuania is already covered by a strong collective defense shield. NATO forward-deployed forces, US rotational forces, allied air policing mission, and German brigade elements are stationed in our country. We are preparing to host even more German forces and provide storage, accommodation and training capabilities. We are looking forward to the full membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO, which would significantly strengthen the security of the entire Baltic Sea region.

This is probably even more than we could have expected nineteen years ago. It proves that beautiful dreams, sincerely and collectively pursued, do come true.

Therefore, today I would like to extend my congratulations to all of you on the fulfillment of our vision - NATO membership - and wish for new beautiful dreams that would bring even more security, stability and peace to Lithuania.

I would also like to address allied NATO soldiers. In this country, your service will always be highly valued and appreciated. Let us all remain focused on the main goal - to secure peace and security throughout Europe and beyond!

Thank you!