On December 19 through 20 Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Raimundas Vaikšnoras paid a working visit to Kosovo: he met with the Lieutenant General Kosovar counterpart Bashkim Jashari, Minister of Defence Ejup Maqedonci and visited the Lithuanian military KFOR contingent.
Security situation in the region, the role of KFOR in ensuring stability in the Western Balks, as well as the need for a coordinated and decisive response to increasing global threats were discussed during the visit.
According to Chief of DE fence of Lithuania, it was noteworthy that Lithuania’s contribution to KFOR was also an important part of contribution to collective security.
“We appreciate the opportunity to add our share to NATO efforts in preventing escalation and ensuring a safe and stable environment to every community. Lithuania’s contribution to KFOR demonstrates our steadfast commitment to regional and Alliance-wide security,” General Raimundas Vaikšnoras
The Lithuanian Armed Forces conveyed readiness to share best practices with the partners, specifically, on collaboration with international institutions and civil society organisations, on improving strategic communication, on military organization reforms, and realization of total defence principles.
Chief of Defence and Commander Land Force Lithuania also met with the Lithuanian contingent deployed to the NATO Kosovo Force, learned first-hand about their service conditions, tasks and operational environment.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces detachment has been integrated in the KFOR German Contingent for 6 months of peacekeeping tasks securing stability and security in the region. The Lithuanian military personnel cover the Regional Command-East (RC-E) area of responsibility hand in hand with other Allies. Lithuania has been contributing to KFOR militarily since 1999 with the approximate total of 600 troops over the time. Lithuania’s current contingent in KFOR includes 44 servicemembers.
Photo and info credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
