Address by the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, at the inauguration ceremony of the German 45th Armored Brigade
President of the Republic of Lithuania
May 22, 2025
Dear people of Lithuania,
Today is a joyful day for us all.
We mark the inauguration of the German armored brigade—an event of historic significance for Lithuania. Its arrival stands as a testament to the shared values between our two nations, our time-tested friendship, and the impressive progress of our strategic partnership in recent years.
It is truly encouraging to see the strong support of our German friends, who are coming to Lithuania to help us strengthen our national defense and deter Russia.
Allow me to say a few words directly to them.
Dear German soldiers,
I am addressing you today with an open heart and deep gratitude.
I sincerely thank you for choosing to serve in Lithuania.
We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure you have the best possible conditions in Lithuania—in training, in exercises, and in your daily life.
Your presence here strengthens not only Lithuania and Germany. Thanks to you, all Europe is becoming stronger. Thank you for your service!
And now, for a wider audience, in English.
I am especially glad that Federal Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, is with us today.
Chancellor,
From the very first days in office, you have expressed the strong and unbending spirit of the new Europe.
Europe that not only talks about unity and solidarity but also turns these words into concrete actions.
Europe that responds to the greatest security challenge of this century by enhancing its capabilities and strengthening external borders.
Lithuania welcomed with great joy the news that Germany intends to build the strongest conventional army on the continent. This is the clearest sign yet that Europe is ready to assume greater responsibility for its own security.
My country is ready to play its part. Next year we will reach 5 per cent of GDP for defense. We are also building our national division.
The stationing of the German 45th Armored Brigade here, in Lithuania, is an invaluable contribution to the defense of the whole NATO Eastern flank. It ensures a deeper cooperation between our militaries and, what is most important, brings our nations closer together.
Together we make an unbreakable force. Together we will ensure that the people of Lithuania and Germany never face the ultimate test - that of war.
May the most sincere, and productive, friendship unite Lithuania and Germany for ages!
Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
