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Lithuania’s defense minister (2008-2012) Rasa Jukneviciene praised Ukraine’s contribution to NATO activities on the Ukraine-NATO forum.The event was organized by the Institute of World Policy with the support of the NATO Information and Documentation Centre.

The text of Ms.Jukneviciene speech is available below.

In 2014 we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lithuanian membership of NATO, in the most powerful and reliable Alliance in the world. The Alliance is based on common values, first and foremost, democracy, and on self-determination of nations. This is the secret of a strong organisation.

Speaking about the importance of Transatlantic relationship and NATO for almost 65 years now, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Victoria Nuland, referred to NATO two days ago as “a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Membership of NATO as well as membership of the EU is the utmost important pillar of Lithuania’s security and the political guarantee of our statehood and independence. It is impossible to overestimate both. I am underlying – both.

My message from Lithuania to Ukrainians is as follows, if they still hesitate about a European path. Nine years after Lithuania’s accession to the European Union, the majority of Lithuanians believe that membership of the Community is beneficial, which is proved by the recent Eurobarometer survey (the public opinion poll).

“As much as 80 per cent of Lithuanians believe now that Lithuania’s membership in the EU has been and is beneficial, which is the highest rate since 1999, when the respective proportion reached 43 per cent.”

Our membership of NATO is not under discussion and all political parties represented in our parliament are full supporters of Lithuanian activities in NATO.

As a minister of defence, I had a very clear understanding of Ukraine as one of the most reliable partners of NATO. Our joint activities in Afghanistan are an example of that.

Your military people are professional and responsible, and they are ready to act together with partners.

Our cooperation in Afghanistan is on-going and, as I know, we are looking for new forms of cooperation in international operations.

One of the projects I do believe in very much is LITPOLUKRBRIG, which has to be ready for missions in 2015. We also know that Ukraine was among the first NATO partners to appoint forces to the NRF; it is participating in NATO operations Active Endeavour, Ocean Shield and KFOR.

I think the question of professionalism is not a question for Ukraine. I would even say more. The Ukrainian armed forces are ready in terms of Ukraine’s candidacy for NATO membership if will is expressed to that end. Ukraine is a capable contributor and we have to encourage further cooperation.

The most important NATO-UKR and LT-UKR cooperation emphasis should be on education and training. Interoperability starts with simple things, knowledge of English and understanding people, how their work and behave.
However, NATO is, first of all, the Alliance of values. The values that prevail in the international operations where Ukraine is involved should prevail everywhere, in the armed forces and in the country itself.

The rule of law and respect for human rights must be enforced. I believe that with these prevailing principles and practical cooperation between Ukraine and NATO in place and with security and defence sector reforms in Ukraine implemented, a new qualitative level would be reached.

It is very important to work together as partners not only on a practical but on a political level too. The Alliance has left the door open for Ukraine, now it depends on Ukraine’s decision to enter through the door or not. We sincerely hope that whatever the decision you make, it will serve security and stability in Europe and strengthening of the world.

NATO Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013 ended several days ago. There is much to talk about in the wake of the Exercise (about the extent of the Exercise, the importance of the NATO Rapid Reaction Force, NATO’s capabilities in general, etc.). In this forum, however, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of partners, where Ukraine was the only non-NATO country, participating with combat units (Infantry Amphibious Company, 95 soldiers). We hope that Ukraine will continue cooperating with NATO by contributing to the NATO Response Force and to NATO exercises.

NATO Steadfast Jazz has laid a good foundation for the future CFI. NATO is currently working actively on how exercises should be run in the future. The first big test will be Trident Juncture in 2015. The partners’ role will remain important in the Exercise.

NATO Connected Forces Initiative (CFI) will be of utmost importance in the near future. It will help maintain NATO’s readiness and combat effectiveness through expanded education and training, increased exercises and better use of technology. All future international engagements, standards and operational concepts will be developed in the framework of CFI. Therefore it is essential that Ukraine participates in CFI. I was happy to see Ukraine in Steadfast Jazz and hope this is just the beginning.

The Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius will be crucial in terms of security as well. We are waiting for positive decisions and Ukrainians determination as for the future of their state.

This will complete the democratic map of Europe, while today the situation reminds the one of last minute flights in a travel agency.

But seriously speaking, the decision will be related not only with the future of Ukraine. The decision will be important for the future of Belarus and particularly the future of the Russian Federation. I do think that the European road of Ukraine is important for the future of Russia as it is the only way to have a democratic and predictable Russia in the future.

The Vilnius Summit is about to complete the democratic map of Europe.