On May 30, Mariusz Blaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of National Defense, and Arvydas Anušauskas, Minister of Defense of Lithuania, met in Warsaw as part of the Fourth Polish-Lithuanian Council of Defense Ministers.

"One of the topics of our talks was also cooperation in the cyber domain, primarily in the context of countering attacks. (...) We talked about cooperation of special forces. We also spoke of the support that both of our countries are providing to Ukraine. We are well aware of the threats. We are unanimous when it comes to opposing Putin's attempts to rebuild the Russian empire."

- noted the head of the Polish Defense Ministry.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed the ongoing military cooperation between the two countries and defined its directions for development. In addition, the heads of the Ministries of Defense discussed the current regional security situation in the context of the continued war in Ukraine, and discussed preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July.

"It is very symbolic that the preparations for the NATO summit in Vilnius have brought us together here in Warsaw. Both Poland and Lithuania see Russia as a long-term threat to Western security and democratic values, to the stability of the international system based on mutual trust. As Moscow and Minsk are waving weapons, including nuclear, we understand that concessions cannot be made to the Kremlin regime. We agree that we must work both in a bilateral format, as well as jointly using the capabilities of NATO and the European Union (...) We agree to intensify joint military exercises. (...) We cooperate on arms purchases. We are acquiring Grom air defense systems, at a cost of more than 20 million euros."

- Lithuania's defense minister noted after the meeting.

The head of the Lithuanian defense ministry stressed Poland's role in ensuring security on NATO's eastern flank and expressed appreciation for the process of strengthening the Polish Armed Forces.

"A firm response begins on the front lines in Ukraine. We stand united with this struggling nation. NATO should continue to strengthen its forward defense. Long-term deterrence against Russia and the response to aggression require an increase in combat capabilities on NATO's eastern flank. The strengthening of the armed forces by Poland is a model for other Allied countries to follow. At the Vilnius summit, we aim to find practical solutions for strengthening the defense of NATO's eastern flank."

- Minister Arvydas Anušauskas said.

After the plenary talks, the defense ministers of Poland and Lithuania signed a joint position on the development of further military cooperation for security.

Deputy Prime Minister M. Blaszczak informed that Lithuania has decided to purchase Polish Grom anti-aircraft systems.

"Today we discussed, among other things, joint arms purchases. I am very pleased and thankful for the Lithuanian decision to purchase Groms, which will go to the equipment of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. This is another transaction of this kind, which speaks very well of our relations"

- said minister Błaszczak.