Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Valdemaras Rupšys discussed relevant topics of military cooperation, execution of the NATO regional defence plans and the course of deployment of the 45th Brigade Litauen of the Bundeswehr assigned for stationing in Lithuania at a meeting with Inspector General of the Bundeswehr General Carsten Breuer during the official visit to Germany. Chief of Defence was bestowed with the highest state decoration of Germany: the Grand Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The state decoration was awarded to General Valdemaras Rupšys by decree of President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The Grand Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (German: Das grosse Verdienstkreuz des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland mit Stern) is the only federal decoration Germany bestows on nationals or foreigners for exceptional merit and achievement in politics, economy, culture, spiritual or social areas.
Parliamentary State Secretary Thomas Hitschler highlighted the exceptional merit of the Lithuanian Chief of Defence in strengthening the bilateral Lithuania-German military cooperation and friendship of nations while awarding the decoration.
“Dear General, in your position as the Chief of Defence of Lithuania you are demonstrating an exceptional dedication in strengthening military ties between Lithuania and Germany and promoting the German reputation in the region, while your direct and intense cooperation with the Bundeswehr has spotlighted Lithuania‘s strong commitment to the development of deterrence and defence capabilities. You have demonstrated exclusive leadership in rendering organisational and infrastructure-related support, forming and improving the German-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group and the German enhanced Vigilance Activity forces in Lithuania,’ said Thomas Hitschler.
The meeting with Chief of Defence of Germany General Carsten Breuer addressed the Lithuanian-German cooperation in executing the regional NATO defence plans, generation of capabilities for the defence plan execution, combat readiness cycle. The bilateral meeting also focussed extensively on preparations for stationing the 45th Tank Brigade Litauen to Lithuania. The initial command element of approx. 20 troops has already been deployed in Lithuania with the next stage of deployment due this autumn.
According to Chief of Defence, the political decision of the German leadership and the resolve of the Bundeswehr to station in Lithuania over 5000 German military personnel is a particularly clear signal of NATO unity and deterrence to the adversary. Germany demonstrates an exceptional leadership and resolve, and traditional takes the responsibility for the security and welfare of the whole Europe. It has been showcased just this spring from the military perspective with the largest German force redeployment to the Eastern flank exercise since the end of the Cold War, Grand Quadriga, in Lithuania that trained NATO collective defence and defence plans execution.
Lithuanian and German Chiefs of Defence also took part in the NATO Military Committee meeting on international operations together.
Photos: courtesy of the Bundeswehr