On March 27 Lithuania’s second rotation was formally farewelled before deployment to the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) at a ceremony at University Square in Klaipėda.
The deployed military personnel will execute missions side by side with the Allies for the next few months to ensure a secure and stable environment in Kosovo in support of NATO’s collective security goals in the Balkans. The second Lithuanian Armed Forces’ contingent is formed by the Lithuanian Grand Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion supported by military personnel from across the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The Lithuanian Contingent will join forces with the German Contingent on the mission further strengthening Allied cooperation.
“Just like the Allied presence in Lithuania, our presence in Kosovo is a clear sign of NATO in action: we are strong when we stand together,” said Rear Admiral G. Premeneckas noting that Lithuanian military personnel were appreciated for their professionalism and trustworthiness in multinational missions that in their turn build force effectiveness and Lithuania’s readiness for defence.
NATO has been conducting KFOR since 1999 which makes Kosovo Force one of the longest Alliance’s missions. Its strengths is assembled by over 30 nations. Lithuania has been gradually increasing our contribution to KFOR over the recent years highlighting national commitment to collective defence and international security.
Info credit: Lithuanian Land Force
