News

On 4 April, Deputy Foreign Minister Giedrius Čekuolis met with Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in Europe General Dieter Stöckmann. At the meeting the officials discussed the importance of informing the public on NATO integration and its support for Lithuania’s Alliance membership, the agreement of political parties on NATO integration policy, the issues of friendly relations with neighbour states, implementation of NATO Membership Action Plan and army expansion. Dieter Stöckmann applauded Lithuania’s emphasis on the criteria of quality rather than quantity in developing of the army. According to the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, the modernisation of military arsenal is a relevant issue for Lithuania, which can be performed aiming at the specialisation of armed forces carried out by the Alliance members. Dieter Stöckmann was positive about Lithuania’s achievements in conducting military reform and professional training of Lithuanian soldiers. He noted the effective work of the Mission of the Republic of Lithuania at NATO in Brussels. The guest also thanked Lithuania for its clear commitment to contribute to the strengthening of EU crisis management operational capacities.