The main objective of Lithuania at the Summit is to ensure concrete long-term security guarantees and measures that will deter aggressors from potential conflicts in the territories of NATO states and will allow duly and quickly respond to any provocations.
According to the president, the world now faces the biggest threat to security and peace since the end of World War II. We must rapidly and properly respond, both individually and together with other NATO allies, to the changing geopolitical situation in our region. Therefore, at this Summit the heads of state will seek agreement on strengthening the Alliance defence and uniting efforts of all allied countries to ensure NATO’s readiness to defend its people and territory, if necessary.
At the Summit, the president will seek to achieve long-term allied presence in Lithuania. The protection of the Baltic airspace has been reinforced this year, regular military exercises are conducted during which Lithuanian, US and other troops are learning interoperability. Besides, the United States is considering to allocate a USD 1 billion (EUR 768 million) for additional security measures in Eastern Europe.
The president has underlined that the stronger transatlantic relations are, the more secure our region will be. Lithuania therefore calls for deeper political and economic cooperation between North America and Europe. Free trade area that is being created and appropriate conditions for trading natural gas will also contribute to the security of NATO member states.
The NATO summit will discuss the situation in Ukraine. The president underlined that secure neighbourhood had always been in the interest of Lithuania, therefore it was very important to continue supporting Ukraine. Allied leaders will also consider the setting up of trust funds for Ukraine and will seek concrete solutions to help this country overcome current threats and security challenges. According to Dalia Grybauskaitė, Lithuania supports an open door policy and therefore expects closer association between NATO and Georgia and Moldova.
The president further noted that NATO must reconsider its relations with Russia and decide how the Alliance will develop relationship with the country that blatantly violates rules of international law, fails to abide by agreements and is reluctant to stop aggression in East Ukraine. Previous cooperation with Russia cannot continue.
President Grybauskaitė has emphasised that today it is vital to take care of information and energy security, too. As new challenges emerge, it is necessary to look for solutions to protect the information space and energy sector of NATO member states from attacks.
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