Admiral George Wikoff, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, U.S. Naval Forces, Africa, and Allied Joint Force Command, Naples, paid a visit to the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Defence Staff where he was received by Chief of the Defence Staff Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas and Commander Lithuanian Navy Captain Tadas Jablonskis.
Chief of the Defence Staff stated the conversation with the 4th of July greetings to Admiral George Wikoff on the occasion of the upcoming 250th U.S. Independence Day and continued to note the exceptional strategic partnership between the United States and Lithuania and the long-standing close military cooperation between the countries.
The bilateral meeting focused significantly on the regional security situation, strengthening the Lithuanian-U.S. military cooperation and further development of interoperability between the Allies. Both sides upheld that the strong transatlantic bond and tight Lithuania-U.S. cooperation remained one of the most critical underlying conditions for NATO’s collective defence, deterrence and security in the region.
One of the key features of the meeting was Lithuania’s recent contribution to the U.S.-led international maritime security and demining operation in the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative aims to ensure safety of navigation in one of the key maritime transport corridors in the world, a path of a significant part of global trade and energy resources. The capabilities contributed by Lithuania were discussed, as well as personnel training for the task and options of input in the initiative. The U.S. side complimented Lithuania’s choice to take part in the operation and underscored that Lithuania was among the first NATO Allies to officially announce readiness to post mine-clearance specialists to the U.S .led effort.
“Our troops are highly ready and have years of expertise and experience in mine-clearance in international environments which will significantly contribute to the safety of navigation and joint Allied efforts in strengthening the international maritime security,” said Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas.
At the meeting, the security situation in the Baltic Sea was also addressed, alongside increasing challenges concerning the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, the safeguarding of freedom of navigation, and the strengthening of the NATO Allied military presence in the region.
It is noteworthy that a seamless information exchange, joint training and a persistent cooperation among the Allied forces are key for ensuring effective response to arising threats.
Photo credits: Defence Staff
