Lithuanian Permanent Representative to NATO awarded Polish MFA honorary distinction
On 3 February, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to NATO Ambassador Vytautas Leškevičius received the “Bene Merito” honorary distinction from the Republic of Poland in appreciation for strengthening Polish-Lithuanian security cooperation.
While expressing his gratitude, Ambassador V. Leškevičius stated that he considers the award as a recognition of both countries‘ increasing cooperation in security and defence.
“Only acting in accord we can ensure Alliance’s due attention to our security. Poland and Lithuania jointly have a special role and responsibility for security along one of the longest NATO land borders”, - underlined Lithuania’s Permanent Representative. Ambassador also highlighted key deliverables of NATO Summits in Warsaw 2016, Brussels 2018, and London 2019, related to reinforcement of Alliance’s capabilities and procedures to respond to challenges and threats. “It’s great that our societies and policymakers see Polish-Lithuanian cooperation as a strategic necessity, instrumental in responding to continuous security challenges both in the Eastern flank and to the whole Alliance”, - said Ambassador V. Leškevičius. Polish Ambassador Tomasz Szatkowski and NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană welcomed Polish-Lithuanian cooperation as an excellent example to be followed and noted both countries‘ defence expenditures, exceeding 2% of GDP.
The ceremony at the Polish Delegation to NATO was also attended by Assistant Secretary General Giedrimas Jeglinskas and staffs of Polish and Lithuanian Delegations.
Established in 2009, the “Bene Merito” honorary distinction is conferred by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
