"During the meeting, the defense ministers discussed regional security challenges and issues on the NATO agenda, including the priorities of both countries at the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius this summer, as well as support for Ukraine," said a release from the Latvian Defense Ministry.
The defense ministers also discussed the progress achieved so far in relation to the decisions taken at the NATO Madrid summit, and especially regarding the expansion of NATO's battle groups in Latvia and Lithuania up to brigade level.
"Latvia and Lithuania are united not only by common values and a border, but also common interests in the Baltic Sea region and strategic partnership in the European Union and NATO. We will continue to develop our already close cooperation in the field of defense in order to jointly overcome both today's and future security challenges of the Baltic region," Mūrniece said after the meeting.
The officials also discussed the common priorities of the two countries at the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius this summer, future cooperation within both the Baltic and international cooperation formats, as well as the support given so far and in the future to Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression.
A number of important joint projects include the Joint Staff Element of the Baltic States, the Baltic Sea Squadron (BALTRON), as well as cooperation within the framework of the Baltic Defense College (BALTDEFCOL).
Our colleagues at LRT English in Vilnius have more about Lithuanian defense news.
