(MENAFN) Germany’s unwavering support for the Baltic states was highlighted during President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s three-day trip to Lithuania and Latvia, with a sharp focus on enhancing regional security cooperation.

Concluding his visit in Latvia on Tuesday after traveling through Lithuania, Steinmeier engaged with top Latvian leaders including President Edgars Rinkevics and Prime Minister Evika Silina in Riga. The German president, alongside Rinkevics, toured a German Navy ship involved in NATO’s “Baltic Sentry” operation patrolling the Baltic Sea.

At a Riga Castle press briefing, Steinmeier emphasized the German navy’s critical role in safeguarding the Baltic Sea and securing essential underwater infrastructure as part of NATO’s mission.

Rinkevics hailed Germany as an indispensable NATO ally in the Baltic Sea region, particularly for protecting vital underwater assets, as detailed in a statement from the Latvian presidential office.

Highlighting economic ties, Rinkevics also noted Latvia’s keen interest in expanding defense industry cooperation with Germany, reflecting active efforts to deepen bilateral relations.

Earlier in Vilnius on Sunday, Steinmeier reaffirmed Germany’s pledge to Lithuania’s sovereignty, declaring, “Your security is our security.”

Germany’s deployment of the 45th Armored Brigade “Lietuva” on Lithuanian soil marks the first permanent stationing of a full German military brigade outside its borders since World War II.
At the brigade’s May 22 inauguration, Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored Berlin’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank, framing the deployment as a demonstration of Germany’s leadership in regional defense.

Currently, about 500 German troops serve in Lithuania, with full deployment—including roughly 5,000 military and civilian personnel plus equipment and supplies—projected to complete by 2027.

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