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Lithuania supports Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations: our strength lies in unity and solidarity

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2023-05-26
International cooperation

On May 24-27 Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus is conducting a visit to Georgia to attend Independence Day events on May 26 and meet with the leadership of the Ministry of Defence. Vice Minister also took part in a NATO Liaison Office event held with NGO representatives to address the agenda of the NATO Summit in Vilnius and possibilities for implementation of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Ž. Tomkus underscored Lithuania's longstanding and continued support to Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty at a bilateral meeting with Deputy Defence Minister Lela Chikovani.

"Lithuania backs Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and is there to help. It is, however, critical that Georgia keep the course of democratic values and avoids ambiguous decisions that could undermine integration processes," said Vice Minister Ž. Tomkus.

It was noted at the meeting that Lithuania had stepped its contribution to NATO programmes in Georgia in the recent years and was resolved to continue the bilateral cooperation. Lithuania supports strengthening of Georgia's security and defence sector with assistance on military training, exercises and cybersecurity, and with consultations on the mandatory military service reform.

Vice Minister also accentuated that a lasting and standing assistance to Ukraine was one of the cornerstone objective of the moment. "We are certain that all the like-minded nations must stand together against the war Russia has started, which includes with regard to the sanctions, because only a united and consistent response can help stop Russia's actions."

When speaking at the NATO Liaison Office event about the July NATO Summit in Vilnius, Vice Minister NATO, Ž. Tomkus identified key priorities: implementation of the decisions on strengthening the eastern flank taken last year in Madrid, agreement of NATO Allies to step the investment in defence, and on further assistance to Ukraine. "Russia presents a threat not only to the Alliance but also to our Eastern Partners. Last year in Madrid we agreed to increase the assistance to the countries subjected to a constant Russian pressure. We encourage our partners to seek NATO and EU memberships with resolve and consistency. Our strength lies in unity and solidarity. The same can be said about the wider community of our Allies and partners. The message we send to Russia and any other aggressor has to be clear: we will not be intimidated."