NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

03/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/29/2024 03:24

NATO and Lithuania mark 20 years of Baltic Air Policing

RAMSTEIN, Germany - Senior civilian and military representatives from Lithuania, several Allies and NATO gathered at Šiauliai, Lithuania for a handover ceremony marking 20 years of Baltic Air Policing also marking 20 years of Lithuania's membership in NATO.

At a time when we face uncertainty and unpredictability, our unity sends a clear message - NATO is capable, modern and if required ready to defend every inch of Allied territory

"Today is a very special day, and Šiauliai is a very special place; 20 years ago, the first allied fighter jets landed here," said His Excellence Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania. "At that moment, a long and difficult journey was completed. Lithuania finally joined the NATO family united by love for freedom and democracy, by trust and respect, and by our commitment to each other. Lithuania chose to become part of the Western collective security and defence," he stated, adding: " it was the best decision Lithuania took, the best investment we have ever made. It has also brought us the best friends one could have. Thank you for being together."

"Twenty years ago, Lithuania marked a pivotal moment in its history by joining and becoming a full-fledged members of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance together with Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia," said Admiral Joachim Rühle, Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, NATO's strategic command that plans, coordinates and oversees Alliance operations. "This was a milestone for both national and collective security," he said also referring to the fact that "this year mark NATO's 75th Anniversary - for three quarters of a century, NATO Allies have worked together to keep one billion people safe. At a time when we face uncertainty and unpredictability, our unity sends a clear message - NATO is capable, modern and if required ready to defend every inch of Allied territory," the Admiral added.