Defence Minister Gabriel Les received the Ambassador of Lithuania to Bucharest, Arvydas Pocius, on Tuesday, April 11, at the MoND headquarters.

During the official talks with the Lithuanian diplomat, opinions were exchanged with regard to ways of intensifying defence bilateral cooperation, cooperation within NATO and EU, the security situation in the close neighborhood, the procurement programs of the two armed forces and their contribution to the international operations and missions.

The minister of national defence emphasized the importance of continuing the political and military dialogue at high level between the two NATO and EU member states as well as the consolidation of practical military cooperation. At the same time, minister Les pointed out the excellent cooperation between the Romanian and the Lithuanian armed forces during the participation in the NATO-led multinational exercises as well as within the Framework Nation Group, coordinated by Germany.

The implementation of the forward presence on the Eastern Flank, the equitable sharing of responsibilities by adequately funding the defence sector, the countering of hybrid threats and building resilience against them as well as the intensification of cooperation between NATO and EU were some of the priorities listed on the meeting agenda.

The two officials agreed upon the need to coordinate positions in the implementation fields of EU's Global Strategy as well as in consolidating its Eastern Partnership.

Minister Les and Ambassador Pocius agreed upon the need to continue having such consultations with a view of getting a better understanding of the current complex challenges posed by the regional security environment and of enhancing bilateral cooperation projects.

Press Department