News

Friday, September 5, Wales - In Wales, President Dalia Grybauskaitė together with other NATO leaders have agreed on new measures to counter threats and strengthen security of the allied states including Lithuania. Further presence of U.S. and other NATO allies in the Baltic countries and Poland was ensured at the Summit. Defense plans will be renewed regularly in view of real threats, as well as the Alliance's collective defense will be enhanced and rapid response force will be created. Headquarters will be set up in Lithuania and other Baltic States.

According to the President, Russian aggression against Ukraine is a test for NATO. If Russia receives no proper response, it may go further. Therefore, a strong and quickly-reacting Alliance, ready to give timely and effective response to emerging threats is in the interest of Lithuania.

The President underlined that the measures approved in Wales meant not only reinforced Alliance defense capabilities, but also a very clear commitment to defend Lithuania and other Baltic States in the event of a threat.

As economies of NATO states start to recover, it was also agreed to increase defense spending in order to renew the necessary infrastructure, bolster supplies and equipment, and train competent experts in logistics and management. For the purposes of deepening cooperation among NATO members, it was decided to organize more joint military exercises during which troops could learn interoperability.

NATO leaders voiced their strong support to Ukraine and agreed on concrete assistance measures for this country. Four trust funds were established at the Wales Summit, they will help Ukraine overcome current threats and security challenges as well as carry through the reforms that are critical for the country's democratic development. A package of cooperation measures for Georgia was also approved at the Summit in Wales.