In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė assessed Turkey's position within NATO and its contributions to Baltic security.
Describing Turkey as an "important ally," Šimonytė drew attention to the country's strong military capacity and strategic geographical location. She stated that Lithuania appreciates the solidarity and contribution Turkey provides to the security of the Baltic region.
The Prime Minister also shared her expectations regarding the NATO summit to be held in Ankara on July 7-8. She predicted that the summit would reaffirm all allies' commitment to their obligations under the Washington Treaty signed in 1949 and transatlantic unity.
Pointing to the increased Russian threats since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Šimonytė stressed that increasing defense spending and developing defense capabilities are of great importance for a credible deterrence and defense posture.
Noting that Russia remains the most direct and long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security, the Lithuanian Prime Minister said the war has further worsened the security environment in Europe and also affected neighboring countries.
Šimonytė underlined that every NATO ally must fulfill its obligations to the alliance regarding defense spending and capability targets. "NATO is an integrated structure where every ally is important. Strong allies mean a strong NATO," she said.
Noting that one of the priority agenda items of the summit in Ankara will be strengthening defense industries, Šimonytė added that it is imperative for allied countries to increase production capacities, accelerate innovation, and keep costs under control.
