Lithuanian president, foreign minister head to Ankara for NATO summit

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys will travel to Ankara on Tuesday for a NATO summit.

During the two-day meeting of Alliance leaders, the Lithuanian president will highlight the country's record defence investments, dual-use infrastructure and resilience-building efforts, as well as preparations for the deployment of a German brigade and the creation of a national division, the President's Office said.

Nauseda will also emphasise the importance of the transatlantic bond, the need for greater European responsibility for its own security, the strengthening of NATO's nuclear deterrence, and comprehensive support for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Budrys will take part in summit sessions where leaders will focus on implementing commitments made in The Hague, including strengthening defence and deterrence by increasing spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product, air defence solutions and the development of other military capabilities.

The Lithuanian foreign minister is scheduled to speak at the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting and the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative ministerial session.

The meetings will address strengthening security and defence, support for Ukraine, and increasing pressure on Russia.

Significant attention will also be given to international efforts to stabilise the situation in the Middle East and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

First Lady Diana Nausediene will participate in a separate programme for NATO spouses in Ankara. She is set to deliver a speech at a round-table discussion titled "Children, Technology and Security: Protecting the Next Generation".

Leaders from all 32 NATO member states, including US President Donald Trump, will meet in Ankara on July 7-8. The summit will also discuss defence funding and the evolving role of the US within the Alliance.