Lithuanian and Latvian presidents observe military exercise in Klaipeda

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics observed a military exercise in the port city of Klaipeda involving naval, air and special forces units.

Under the scenario of the exercise, troops forcibly boarded a non-compliant vessel, seized control of it and demonstrated a helicopter medical evacuation of a casualty.

Nauseda said the ability to conduct such operations was increasingly important for strengthening security in the Baltic Sea and protecting critical infrastructure. He said recent incidents in the Baltic Sea had highlighted the need for close allied cooperation, rapid information exchange and tangible operational capabilities.

Such exercises improve the readiness of Lithuanian institutions to respond to maritime threats, enhance interoperability with allies and contribute to regional security, Nauseda said.

He noted that some countries had already carried out similar actions under real-world conditions, making it essential for Lithuanian authorities to have the necessary capabilities and be prepared to deploy them.

Nauseda said the threat posed by Russia to regional security underscored the need to strengthen deterrence and defense on NATO's eastern flank. He stressed the importance of maintaining consistent NATO attention to the Baltic region, ensuring an allied military presence and adequately funding initiatives such as the "Baltic Sentry" mission.

The visit to Klaipeda marked the conclusion of Rinkevics' state visit to Lithuania.