Lithuanian army leadership discuss defense plans discussed with NATO commander

VILNIUS – The Lithuanian army's leadership discussed the country's defense plans with Lieutenant General Jurgen-Joachim von Sandrart has been Commander of the Multinational Corps Northeast over the weekend, the army said on Monday.

Lithuanian chief of defense Valdemaras Rupsys and the guest discussed preparations for the forthcoming NATO summit in Lithuania and the country's military expectations at the military level. Strategic exercises and defense plans also received a lot of attention.

"As a German general, I can say that Germany's commitment to Lithuania is unquestionably strong. As a NATO officer with Lithuanian as an area of responsibility, I can clearly say that NATO's duty and responsibility is to defend and protect its member states, including Lithuania," the German general said at the meeting.

According to the Army, the NATO general visited critical areas in southern Lithuania, key for the country's defense, and also assessed the operational area, inspected the newly developed training areas, their situation and development.