The President in the meeting with Lithuania’s honorary consuls: Freedom can never be taken for grantedit must be constantly defended

On Monday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Lithuania's honorary consuls from around the world at the Presidential Palace. The meeting focused on the country's key foreign policy directions and the current geopolitical challenges.

President Gitanas Nausėda stressed that security and defense have become Lithuania's top priorities of both domestic and foreign policies. "Freedom and independence can never be taken for granted. They are the highest values, and they must be constantly protected and defended," said the President, noting that Lithuania will allocate 4% of its GDP to defense this year, and 5.25% next year.

In his speech, the President expressed gratitude to NATO allies for their military presence in Lithuania, with special emphasis on the country's strategic partnership with Germany. "Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Germany to create the necessary conditions for the stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania. By the end of 2027, around 5,000 German troops will be permanently deployed here," President Gitanas Nausėda said.

The Head of State underlined that strong transatlantic ties and continued U.S. presence in Europe are essential for the security of the entire continent, stressing that Europe has to assume greater responsibility for its own defense, strengthen military capabilities, and step up defense funding. "Lithuania will advocate for significant increase in defense investments, military mobility, industrial capacity, external border protection, and continued support for Ukraine in the next EU multiannual financial framework," the President spoke.

In his address, the President also outlined priorities for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague. "Ensuring increased deterrence and defense funding, maintaining transatlantic unity, and continuing support for Ukraine will be the key priorities. Lithuania calls for increasing our joint defense commitments to 5% of GDP by 2030," Gitanas Nausėda stressed.

Speaking on support for Ukraine, the President pointed out that Lithuania's assistance has already exceeded €1.6 billion. He emphasized that Lithuania will continue to allocate 0.25% of its GDP to military aid for Ukraine, and that the country will contribute to European and U.S. initiatives to stop Russian aggression, as well as efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry.

The President also noted that stability and the development of democracy in Lithuania's neighborhood have a significant impact on the country's security. He welcomed the decisions of Ukraine and Moldova to pursue European integration.

Reviewing the economic situation, President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized the importance of economic security. He also welcomed the recent productive official visits to Japan and Vietnam, and stressed that Lithuania is ready to be an active member of the European Union in cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

The President emphasized that Lithuania has completed its path to energy independence by synchronizing its electricity grid with the continental European system and ceasing the purchase of energy products from Russia. He also highlighted the threat of hybrid attacks against infrastructure and the need to strengthen its protection.

Gitanas Nausėda called on Lithuania's honorary consuls to work together to promote prosperity for all, and to help ensure a peaceful and secure future for our children. Lithuania has appointed 233 honorary consuls on all continents.