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SZCZECIN, Poland – On July 16, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda paid a visit to Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE). The President met with the Corps' leadership and Lithuanian soldiers serving at the Headquarters in Poland.

President Nausėda and Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, Commander Multinational Corps Northeast, praised the extensive cooperation between the Lithuanian Armed Forces and MNC NE, in particular on deterrence and defence where this collaboration continues to grow. 

LTG von Sandrart updated President Nausėda on the MNC NE current activities across the land domain in the Baltic Sea region, including NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), the Corps' training and exercise programme and the command's assessment of the security situation on the Alliance's northeastern flank. During the visit, the President and the Commander reiterated NATO's strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and placed great emphasis on preserving stability in the Baltic Sea region. They also discussed the outcomes of the most recent NATO Summit in Vilnius.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda visits Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast, Szczecin, Poland, July 16 © Corporal Heiko Müller

President Nausėda spoke highly of MNC NE’s role as a regional security provider and underscored Lithuania's unflagging commitment to the NATO alliance. In addition, he met with the Lithuanian soldiers who serve at the Corps' Headquarters in Poland and thanked them and their families for their dedication. 

At the same time, LTG von Sandrart emphasized that Lithuania is the cornerstone of regional peace and prosperity, and the Lithuanian Army plays a vital role in securing the north of the Suwałki corridor. "Lithuanian Defence Forces' contribution is exemplary and instrumental," the Commander said. "In our Area of Operations, Lithuania hosts the NATO eFP Battlegroup and forms a solid pillar of our Multinational Division North East. The Lithuanian Iron Wolf Brigade is a prime fighting force serving not only Lithuania but also our Corps."

In 2004, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were the first member states to join HQ MNC NE since its establishment in 1999.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda meets with Lithuanian soldiers during his visits to Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast, Szczecin, Poland, July 16 © Corporal Heiko Müller