Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Thursday that she hopes the recent government reshuffle will not affect the country’s cooperation with Germany, following a diplomatic snub over the German Unity Day celebrations.
The statement came after the German Embassy in Lithuania did not invite Lithuanian Culture Minister Ignas Adomavičius to an event in Vilnius on Wednesday marking German Unity Day. Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius questioned whether the move constituted interference in Lithuania’s internal affairs.
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“I would very much like to believe that it will not. But national politics always affects international relations and our partnerships. Right now, our relationship with Germany is strategically important to us, and it is truly very good, warm, and comprehensive. We are in constant communication with the defence minister, and our colleagues are working very effectively at their levels,” Šakalienė told reporters in Kazlų Ruda.
“I really hope that we will continue this cooperation. I want to say once again that Germany’s role in our defence is vitally important, and everyone should remember that,” she added.
The reshuffle, which placed the controversial Nemunas Dawn party in charge of the Culture Ministry with the appointment of Adomavičius, has sparked protests from Lithuania’s cultural community.
Lithuania and Germany maintain close defence cooperation. Under a bilateral agreement, Germany is set to deploy a military brigade of approximately 5,000 soldiers and civilians in Lithuania by the end of 2027.
As part of the partnership, Vilnius is also purchasing Leopard 2 tanks, Boxer armoured vehicles, and PzH 2000 howitzers from Germany. Construction of a Rheinmetall ammunition factory in Lithuania is expected to begin soon.
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