Finland's total defense concept 'a role model' for Lithuania - defense minister

VILNIUS - Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene has described Finland's total defense concept as a "role model" for Lithuania.

"Finland is preparing to defend against a high-intensity full-scale invasion. The concept of their total defense is a role model for us as we aspire to keep the enemy out of our territory in the event of aggression," Sakaliene said in a press release on Thursday.

"We will work together and build on Finland's experience to build a Lithuania capable of fighting and winning today," she added.

Sakaliene discussed these issues with Finland's Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen and Jukka Kopra, chairman of the parliamentary Defense Committee.

Other topics included efforts to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities, increase funding, and bolster transatlantic ties. The officials also discussed the importance of the US presence in the region to ensure effective deterrence against Russia and support for Ukraine.

The Nordic and Baltic countries have agreed to train and equip a brigade-sized unit in Ukraine, develop Ukraine’s defense industry, and adapt military aid to the country's evolving needs.

During her visit, Sakaliene also met with the vice president of NAMMO, a Scandinavian defense industry giant manufacturing specialty ammunition, and visited Finland's Jaeger Brigade to take a closer look at the country's reserve forces training process.

Her visit to Finland followed Tuesday's announcement by the Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian and Polish defense ministers of their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.

The move has yet to be approved by the parliaments of the respective countries.

Finland is also considering withdrawing from the convention.

All EU member countries are now parties to the Ottawa Convention, while China, Russia, the US, India, and Pakistan have not joined it.

Lithuania ratified the Ottawa Convention in 2003.

The country has also recently withdrawn from an international convention banning cluster munitions.