Vilnius, 15 September 2021 (TDI): Gabrielius Landsbergis (Lithuania Foreign Minister), along with Arvydas Anušauskas (National Defense Minister), attended the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Baltic states and Poland in Riga, Latvia, held on September 13. The discussion centered on regional security challenges, NATO 2030, and relations with Russia. Aimed at developing security and defense consultations and coordination among Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
First, the two sides exchanged views on strengthening deterrence and defense capabilities in the Baltic states and Poland. They agreed on the timely implementation of the NATO 2030 decisions, part of NATO’s new strategic concept. The United States and other allies’ presence is crucial in the region, stated unanimously by Ministers. This was one of the priorities of Lithuania’s foreign and security policy.
Second, they also discussed the joint Russian-Belarusian military drills (Zapad 2021). As it demonstrates military integration between the two countries. Concerns regarding the creation of a union state of Russia and Belarus could lead to serious implications for the security of the Baltic region. Hence, it was essential to analyze, monitor, and adapt it to their policies related to security and defense.
Lastly, it is vital to have their support from their closest partners, given the challenges from the east, as such, to those under pressure from Russia.
Overall, the partnership policy of NATO is crucial to deepen cooperation with countries including Ukraine and Georgia.
