NATO states have to protect themselves and help Ukraine and Georgia – Lithuanian president

President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda stated this during a press briefing following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"During the meeting, we discussed the threats and challenges in our region and beyond. We must accelerate our work and fully implement all decisions taken on NATO adoption and development. We have to be ready to protect and defend our countries and people. We also have to assist and help our trusted partners and friends like Georgia and Ukraine in the path of Euro-Atlantic reforms and integration," the Lithuanian president said.

He noted that truth-based international order was heavily changed and challenged. Unfortunately, Russia’s attitude to international security and the model of behavior have not changed.

"Russia’s violations of key treaties continue, as well as aggressive activities against our democracies. NATO has always been the backbone of Lithuania’s defence and security. It will be the top priority on my agenda as well," the president stressed.

Nauseda thanked all the Alliance who contributed to the security of Lithuania, and the Baltic region too, especially through Enhanced Forward Presence, Baltic air policing and assurance measures.

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