Vice Minister of National Defence T. Godliauskas discussed strengthening of the Eastern border in Poland

On March 10 Vice Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas paid a visit to Warsaw. He met with the Polish counterpart Cezary Tomczyk and other MoD officials responsible for public preparedness for defence and formation of the active reserve. Representatives of the Polish Armed Forces walked the guests through the ambitious plans of strengthening the Armed Forces mapping out basic military skills training for as many as a thousand Polish citizens annually. The plans also include incentives to attract civilian specialists required in the military and regular skill refreshers for the civilian reserve.

Both countries are also strengthening total defence. Last year, a new public training project kicked off in Poland resulting in nearly 17 thousand graduates, also, the Polish Government started the Gotownosz National Programme for public readiness. In the meantime, Lithuania started practical civil resistance training in 2025 which was delivered to nearly 9 thousand Lithuanian citizens over just a few months. Moreover, Lithuania passed the agenda of the national public readiness training for civil resistance.

Yet another pressing theme relevant to both countries was strengthening the Eastern border. Both countries are facing the same threats in the area: illegal migration, smuggling balloons, hostile military force activities. The meeting officials lauded the progress made in strengthening the border control over the few years.

Vice Minister T. Godliauskas shared Lithuania's experience in expanding the Lithuanian Armed Forces reserve, development of the Riflemen's Union, and improving the infrastructure needed for that matter. The Polish side confirmed that establishment of the Kapčiamiestis military training area was of great interest to them. Such area would offer new opportunities for bilateral military cooperation and enhance defence possibilities in a strategic location. "Our countries are looking solutions to identical problems of military and public readiness for crisis and war emergencies at the moment. Therefore, meetings with Vice Minister C. Tomczyk and the Polish military leadership are always mutually rewarding and useful," said Vice Minister T.Godliauskas.

During the visit to Poland Vice Minister also spoke at the "Land Forces in Europe. Redefining Land Power for a New Era on the Eastern Front." Conference, gave an interview to the Polish media and delivered Independence Day greetings at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Warsaw.