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Lithuania and Canada will from now on pursue a closer military cooperation, says Minister of National Defence A. Anušauskas

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2023-10-03
International cooperation

October 3, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas had a meeting with the first Ambassador of Canada accredited to Lithuania HE Jeanette Sautner. Minister praised the intensified cooperation between Lithuania and Canada, especially in security and defence, discussed Canada's contribution to the NATO Force Integration Unit in Lithuania, engagement in Baltic Defence College activities, joint training and exercises.

"I am welcome the Embassy opening, our military cooperation will become even closer as a result. I would like to thank Canada for the contribution to the security of our region by strengthening defence of the eastern flank and deploying military personnel to Latvia," said Minister A. Anušauskas.

At the meeting, Minister and Ambassador also addressed NATO agenda, as well as Canada's decision to ensure defence of the eastern flank of the Alliance. Canada's resolve to expand the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Group it leads in Latvia to a brigade-level unit is a considerable contribution to Baltic security, also strengthened by Germany's resolve to deploy to Lithuania a permanent present brigade.

Minister affirmed to Ambassador that Allied decisions in the region were especially important as components of deterrence.

Other topics also discussed at the meeting were implementation of regional defence plans as the most vital current task, pre-deployment of equipment and ammunition to the region, and readiness for defence. Lithuania urges all host and deploying nations to cooperate closer.

Minister of National Defence informed Ambassador about the course of Lithuania's defence capability development and quick pace of Armed Forces modernization and enhancement.

Among the discussed topics were also assistance to Ukraine in its defence against Russia. Minister admitted that Lithuania sought a tighter cooperation on the political aspect of NATO-Ukraine issue. The importance of the demining coalition formed by Lithuania was also underscored, as well as the need to find partners who could contribute expertise, capabilities and finance.

Canada opened its embassy in Lithuania in July, the decision was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the NATO Summit in Vilnius.

The Ambassador of Canada to Lithuania was based in Riga, Latvia, until that point and the Office of the Embassy of Canada operated in Vilnius. The Ambassador of Canada was appointed to Lithuania as a sign of intensifying cooperation.