Steinmeier in Vilnius: Your security is our security

During a visit to Vilnius on Sunday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged his country’s support in maintaining Lithuania’s freedom. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier who’s visisted came as Lithuania celebrated Statehood day reiterated that “your security is our security”.

“Lithuania and Germany stand together for the freedom of Ukraine, for the principle of self-determination, for European unity – as partners in the EU and NATO,” said Steinmeier.

President Gitanas Nausėda welcomed his German counterpart on Sunday and took to social media platform X to express his gratitude for the visit.

“The President’s visit is a strong sign of the enduring friendship between Lithuania and Germany, based on shared values and strategic partnership,” said Nausėda.

The two countries have recently strengthened their military ties as Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz looks to deliver on his campaign promises of bolstering continental security in the wake of Russian threats stemming from its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

From 2027, approximately 5,000 German soldiers from an armoured brigade will be permanently stationed in Lithuania to protect NATO’s eastern flank and the Baltic country from Russia, whom it shares an almost 300 kilometre border with.

With the ongoing war in Ukraine, many in Lithuania, previously a Soviet satellite state, believe they could become the next targets of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expansionist mission.

Steinmeier acknowledged Lithuania’s concerns, noting that “here in Lithuania you know that neither freedom nor peace is guaranteed. Freedom is not a condition. Freedom is a task.”