Lithuanian and Turkey Reach Agreement on Vital Defence Areas

March 9, 2012 defpro.com

On Thursday, Minister of National Defence Rasa Jukneviciene met with Defence Minister of Turkey Ismet Yilmaz who paid a visit in Lithuania by the Lithuanian Minister’s invitation. In a meeting both Ministers discussed the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago, the operation in Afghanistan, NATO Air Policing mission, and other points.

“We have exchanged views on cooperation and regional security issues, and reached some agreement points regarding cooperation areas particularly important for Lithuania: the Turkish representatives assured that as one of the most active supporters of the Energy Security Centre Turkey will continue rendering assistance in the future as well through contribution to concrete initiatives and projects of the Centre,” R. Jukneviciene after the meeting.

Lithuanian Minister also pointed out that an independent missile defence system capable of defending the Alliance in Lithuania’s territory from emerging threats is particularly important.

“Turkey supports NATO’s initiatives of smart defence. Last year an early warning radar was installed in Turkey – it is our contribution to the NATO Missile Defence,” stated I. Yilmaz.

R. Jukneviciene thanked the guest for Turkey’s support in seeking a long-term decision regarding the NATO Air Policing mission. According to her, the mission is an excellent example of regional cooperation and Smart Defence. She invited Turkey’s Air Force to deploy on the Baltic Air Policing mission after 2014 as well.

The meeting officials also discussed the upcoming NATO Summit and priorities of the countries: “NATO must find a relevant way to estimate the progress of Georgia in developing internal reforms and its contribution to NATO operations,” Defence Minister said.

I. Yilmaz stressed that Turkey develops close cooperation with Georgia and supports its aspiration of the latter to become a NATO members.

According to R. Jukneviciene, the ISAF operation remains among Lithuania’s key priorities. “The second wave of the transfer of responsibility process has begun in the province of Ghor protected by Lithuania, our current focus is training of local Afghans,” she said. According to the Minister, Lithuania plans maintaining the present level of military involvement until 2013. R. Jukneviciene stressed that NATO Strategy in Afghanistan after 2014 should be one of the points at the Chicago Summit.

Lithuanian Defence Minister also addressed the economical situation in Lithuania and the activity of the Government. “Lithuania and our national Government have encountered the economic crisis that has made painful consequences onto the country’s economy. I think that our Government has done quite a marvelous job while dealing with this problem although pension and salary cuts had to be implemented, and defence spending likewise.

However, apart from that, we have made efforts to concentrate on our new defence strategy and we have maintained the multinational commitments”, said R. Juknevi?ien?. According to her, Lithuania pays a lot of attention to reserve training and combat training on voluntary basis. “National defence is not only about professional armed forces only, it is also a matter of our entire society,” Lithuanian Minister said.

The meeting Ministers also exchanged opinions about the situation in Syria and Iran.

The Defence Minister of Turkey stated that Turkey supports diplomatic talks and dialog with Iran regarding the acquirement of nuclear weapons. According to him, Turkey was also concerned about the actions of Syria.

The last meeting of Turkish and Lithuanian Defence Ministers took place in 2002.