Energy, Legislation, Lithuania, Security

Asta Skaisgiryte Liauskiene and Stephane Abrial. Vilnius, 10.05.2011. Photo: urm.lt

"Lithuania is aware that NATO has to change according to the modern world's needs, so that it could appropriately rebuff security challenges of the 21st century," the Deputy Minister said. The Deputy Minister encouraged NATO's Allied Command Transformation (ACT) to cooperate effectively with the Energy Security Center, which was set up in Vilnius at the initiative of Lithuania and aims to gain the status of NATO's Centre of Excellence.

Skaisgiryte Liauskiene also acquainted Abrial with Lithuania's priorities for NATO. The Alliance must pay due attention to practical preparation for the implementation of missions of collective defense, relevant training, exercise, drafting of defence plans, enhancement to necessary military capabilities and the infrastructure. Officials exchanged opinions on NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and Libya, partnerships policy, development of missile defense and nuclear deterrence.

Allied Command Transformation is one of two strategic commands at the head of NATO's Command Structure. ACT is leading at the strategic command level the transformation of NATO's military structure, forces, capabilities and doctrine, enhancing training. The headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation is located in Norfolk, the U.S.A.

NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation is paying a visit to Lithuania at the invitation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.