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VILNIUS, Apr 18, BNS –Lithuania's ministers of foreign affairs and national defense, attending a NATO meeting in Brussels, paid attention to Russia's armament near Lithuania as well as transfer of military technologies to third parties, Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

Minister of National Defense Rasa Jukneviciene said that NATO's anti-missile defense system "is not directed against Russia." According to the minister, the Alliance is constantly repeating it. This is also reflected in the NATO's Deterrence and Defense Posture Review.

"Meanwhile Russia, on the contrary, is making announcements about military planning directed against NATO's anti-missile defense elements, and deploying modern weaponry of tactical character in Kaliningrad region," Jukneviciene said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Azubalis paid attention to the fact that acquisition of military technologies and their transfer to third thirds remained a very important issue.

"The influence of acquisition of weaponry by third parties on the Alliance's strategic environment should be constantly evaluated," the minister said.

In Azubalis' opinion, the fact that this issue is reflected in the Alliance's Deterrence and Defense Posture Review demonstrates NATO's growing awareness that the allies' weapon technology and trade policy should not only be based on commercial interests but also ensure the Alliance's defense.

Azubalis also said at the meeting that NATO should continue its support for Afghanistan.

"The mission should be transformed by focusing on further training of the country's land forces. Lithuania believes that support for maintenance of Afghanistan's land forces should be provided until Afghanistan's economy recovers, and the country is capable of maintaining the forces itself," Azubalis said.