On 11-12 January, Panevežys, Lithuania, hosted the annual meeting of the Baltic Defence Ministers.
During the meeting, the Latvian Minister of Defence Atis Slakteris, the Lithuanian Minister of Defence Juozas Olekas and the Estonian Minister of Defence Jurgen Ligi have signed the Baltic Co-Operation Plan for 2007.
Defence ministers acknowledged that Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are interested to make joint procurements for their armed forces, and a great progress regarding this issue was achieved during the meeting. Defence ministers agreed on further control of the Baltic air space, as well as discussed participation in international operations and NATO Response Force.
Defence ministers have approved the further development of the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL). In accordance with the rotation procedure, the BALTDEFCOL Commandant between 2008 and 2011 will be the Latvian National Armed Forces Brigadier General Gundars Ābols.
Defence ministers have praised the results of the NATO Riga Summit.
During their meeting, the Baltic defence ministers have visited the Pajuoste Helicopter Wing near Panevežys. Thereafter delegation went to Zokniu airfield by C-27J SPARTAN transport aircraft recently procured by Lithuania. The NATO Belgian Air Force fighter jets are stationed at Zokniu airfield, from where they have been carrying out the Baltic air space policing mission since last December.
Ministry of Defence
