Chancellor Scholz strengthens German presence in the Baltics

In a sign of solidarity and strengthening of NATO's eastern flank, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is visiting German armed forces in Lithuania today. The 10th Armored Division, which is stationed there and participating in a large-scale NATO exercise, will be personally inspected by Scholz at the Pabrade training area. While still at the training site, a dialogue is planned with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, particularly focusing on the planned deployment of a brigade about 4,800 strong as a response to the escalating security situation and Russia's aggressive behavior, which will be on the agenda. The Chancellor's journey will then continue to Riga, where he will hold consultations with the prime ministers of the Baltic states. The discussions with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Sili?a, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte are expected to focus on security and defense policy issues, which are of great importance given the geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. With these meetings, Germany reinforces its role and responsibility within the alliance and emphasizes the importance of close cooperation in the defense sector with the Baltic NATO partners.