The German president's three-day visit to Lithuania and Latvia underscored the European power's strong support for the Baltic region, particularly in the area of security cooperation, reported Xinhua.
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded his visit to Latvia on Tuesday, following a stop in Lithuania. In Riga, he met with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Prime Minister Evika Silina. Together with Rinkevics, he visited a German Navy vessel participating in NATO's "Baltic Sentry" operation in the Baltic Sea.
At a press conference at Riga Castle, Steinmeier described the German navy's role in NATO's Baltic Sentry mission as a vital contribution to protecting the Baltic Sea and the security of critical underwater infrastructure.
For his part, Rinkevics called Germany an irreplaceable NATO ally for Latvia in the Baltic Sea region, especially in protecting critical underwater infrastructure, according to a press release from the Latvian presidential office.
Rinkevics also expressed Latvia's interest in deepening economic cooperation with Germany, especially in the defense industry, where Latvia is actively pursuing expanded cooperation.
Earlier, during his visit to Vilnius on Sunday, President Steinmeier pledged Germany's commitment to Lithuania's sovereignty, stating: "Your security is our security."
Germany has officially deployed the 45th Armored Brigade "Lietuva" in Lithuania, marking the first permanent stationing of a full German military brigade outside national borders since World War II. During the brigade's inauguration on May 22, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized his government's dedication to NATO's eastern flank, saying this deployment signals Germany's leadership in the region's defense.
Currently, 500 German troops are deployed in Lithuania. The full deployment, comprising approximately 5,000 soldiers and civilian personnel, and necessary equipment and supplies, is expected to be completed by 2027.
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Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
