Baltic PMs to discuss regional security with NATO chief Stoltenberg

  • 2022-06-08
  • LETA/BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will take part in a virtual conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday.

The prime ministers of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will discuss the regional security situation, ways to strengthen NATO's forward defense and deterrence on the Alliance's eastern flank, as well as discuss assistance to Ukraine amid the ongoing war started by Russia, the Lithuanian government's press service said.

The Baltic countries are pushing for a decision at the forthcoming NATO summit in Madrid to convert the existing NATO battalions deployed in these countries into brigades.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed this ambition during his Tuesday visit to Vilnius where he stressed allied commitment to defend the Alliance's every centimeter. Germany is leading the NATO battalion stationed in Lithuania.

Meanwhile, the Baltic and German leaders agreed to strengthen defense capabilities in all three Baltic states during their joint meeting on Tuesday.