News

On 17 July, the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius met with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) Jean-Paul Paloméros, who pays a visit to Vilnius. The officials discussed energy security, issues related to the Alliance’s partnerships policy and the NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltic States.

The meeting also focused on one of the Lithuanian EU Presidency priorities for the Common Security and Defence Policy - strengthening the cooperation between the EU and NATO. Linkevičius noted that the transatlantic partnership remained the cornerstone of North American defence and security, as well as Europe’s, thus it was necessary to continue to deepen mutual relationship.

“Today, the European Union and NATO share common values and similar interests, as well as identical goals, therefore, Lithuania’s Presidency of the EU Council intends to intensify political dialogue between the organizations with an aim to strengthen practical cooperation between the EU and NATO,” Linkevičius said.

The one-day working visit of NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation to Vilnius also included meetings with the Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas, Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lieutenant General Arvydas Pocius, and staff of NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence.

General Jean-Paul Paloméros was appointed NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation on 6 August 2012. Throughout his career Paloméros acquired extensive experience both as an operational Commander and as a fighter pilot, having flown 82 combat missions.