I.Šimonytė discussed further cooperation with the commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard
Ingrida Šimonytė emphasized that Lithuania highly values the presence of US soldiers in our country, which increases the security of the entire region, especially when Russia attacked Ukraine.
According to her, at the same time, Lithuania invests in the improvement of the host country’s infrastructure and in its own defense capabilities, according to the Government’s report.
The meeting also discussed the contribution of PANG in monitoring the improvement of Lithuania’s military capabilities – training specialists, participating in joint trainings and exercises, and cooperating in the field of cyber security.
“I hope that when we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lithuanian-Pennsylvania National Guard partnership next year, we will continue and expand this active and mutually beneficial cooperation,” said the Head of the Government of Lithuania.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces and PANG have been cooperating since 1993, together with the International Security Assistance Mission (ISAF) in Afghanistan in 2009-2012.
According to the Government’s announcement, in the near future, the pilots and mechanics of the Lithuanian Armed Forces will be organized and operated at the PANG Military Air Force Pilots and Maintenance Specialists training center with the purchased UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopters.
Cooperation also takes place in the field of improving military infrastructure in Lithuania and training special operations forces.
On Monday, I. Šimonytė also met with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.