February 12, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Zagorodnyuk held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania Raimundas Karoblis as a part of a working visit to the NATO headquarters (Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium).

In the course of the dialogue, Andriy Zagorodnyuk informed his colleague on priority tasks for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces. These include deterrence of Russian armed aggression, defense reforms, and meeting NATO membership criteria.

He expressed gratitude to the Republic of Lithuania for continued comprehensive support for Ukraine. Andriy Zagorodnyuk and Raimundas Karoblis paid attention to the activities of the joint Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian military unit LITPOLUKRBRIG.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine separately expressed his gratitude for assistance in rehabilitation and treatment of 272 Ukrainian soldiers.

Raimundas Karoblis expressed support for Ukraine's defense reform and noted that the Republic of Lithuania will continue to provide advisory and training assistance.

The parties emphasized the continuation of a long-term cooperation in military-political and military spheres in the context of bringing the Ukrainian Armed Forces closer to NATO standards. Ministers have identified areas for cooperation for 2020. In particular, the reform of military education, NCOs and the functioning of LITPOLUKRBRIG.

The parties also discussed participation in the 4th Ukrainian Reform Conference, which will be held in Vilnius, on 7 July 2020.

Press office of Ministry of Defense of Ukraine