Lithuanian President to Highlight Defense Investments at NATO Summit in Ankara

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda is set to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where he will underscore Lithuania's significant defense investments. He plans to emphasize the country's commitment to strengthening resilience and preparing for the deployment of a German brigade, alongside the development of a national division.

During the summit, President Nausėda will also highlight the crucial role of transatlantic cooperation. He intends to advocate for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security and stress the importance of strengthening the US-led NATO nuclear deterrence. Continued support for Ukraine will also be a key point of discussion.

Accompanying the President is First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, who will participate in a separate program for NATO leaders' spouses. She is scheduled to speak at a roundtable discussion focused on protecting future generations through the lens of children, technology, and security.

Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys will also attend the summit, participating in meetings of the NATO-Ukraine Council and the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. Discussions are expected to cover strengthening security and defense, bolstering support for Ukraine, and increasing pressure on Russia. The summit agenda also includes addressing the stabilization of the Middle East and ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Budrys is also scheduled for bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Croatia, Hungary, and Belgium.