Tänukiri lahkuvale LT ministrile

Arvydas Anušauskas

Ministry of National Defence

Republic of Lithuania 28.03.2024 no 9-7/24/66

Dear Arvydas, (käsitsi)

Allow me to extend my congratulations to you on a successful tenure as the Minister of National

Defence of the Republic of Lithuania, as well as express my gratitude for our fruitful cooperation and

friendship during your term in the office.

I am especially grateful for your commitment and leadership in strengthening the Lithuanian Armed

Forces and conducting various defence reforms. Since 2020 when you assumed office, Lithuania’s

defence budget has reached the level of 2.8% of GDP, which is a clear sign of your commitment to

strengthening Lithuanian security and defence.

I am also glad for your support regarding improving the interoperability of the Baltic defence forces.

Baltic defence cooperation is a crucial part of our collective security and I am glad to note that our

cooperation is only becoming stronger with each passing year. Recently, we jointly agreed on the

Baltic defence line, which is yet another testament to our shared security priorities. Lithuania

understands how the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine the security architecture in the

whole of Europe. Therefore, I would like to thank you for your unwavering support, military aid and

training that Lithuania has provide to Ukraine during your tenure as Minister of National Defence.

Estonia and Lithuania share extremely profound and friendly bilateral relations, and work closely

together in NATO, the EU, and various other frameworks. I want to thank you for your personal

contribution in making the collaboration between our two nations as effective as ever.

Dear Arvydas, thank you again for our important cooperation. I wish you all the best in your future

endeavours and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.

Yours sincerely, (käsitsi)

Hanno Pevkur Minister