"Soldiers under my command are sent to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania because we are staunch NATO allies and we are stronger together. We understand that your borders are our borders which makes the defence of your country a priority for us. We are proud to have the opportunity to serve together," Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army Lt Gen Leo Beulen said on a visit in Lithuania.
During the two days of the visit the guest met with Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lt Gen Jonas Vytautas Žukas. Generals discussed the regional security situation, implementation of the NATO deterrence measures, U.S. contribution to the regional security, the countries' participation in the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and procurement of used military equipment from the Armed Forces of the Netherlands.
At the end of the meeting Chief of Defence of Lithuania presented the Lithuanian Armed Forces Medal of Merit to Lt Gen L. Beulen for his exceptional merits in developing and sustaining a close cooperation between the Lithuanian and the Dutch militaries in the implementation of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence mission in Lithuania.
Lt Gen L. Beulen also met with Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Maj Gen Valdemaras Rupšys, and observed Sniper Day 2019 shooting competition at the Gaižiūnai Training Area in Rukla (Jonava region)and met with the soldiers of the Netherlands and other allies deployed with the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group.
Video report (by Lukas Tamošiūnas)
Photo credits: Sgt Spc Ieva Budzeikaitė and Maj Mindaugas Neimontas
