Polish, Lithuanian presidents call for NATO transport infrastructure growth
PR dla Zagranicy
Alicja Baczyńska
18.02.2018 10:30
Polish President Andrzej Duda and his Lithuanian counterpart, Dalia Grybauskaite, have voiced their support for the development of transport infrastructure on NATO’s eastern flank.
Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite (R) and President of Poland Andrzej Duda during their meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania 17 February 2018. Photo: PAP/EPA.
The two leaders, who met for talks in Vilnius on Saturday, discussed the idea of a so-called military Schengen zone, which aims to facilitate the transfer of NATO troops across Europe.
In January, The Financial Times reported on problems besetting a greater NATO presence in this part of Europe due to existing regulations and the condition of roads and bridges, which are unable to carry the weight of tanks.
President Andrzej Duda said that only recently have efforts been undertaken to improve military mobility in NATO’s eastern states.
“The problems we are facing are also bureaucratic in character,” Duda said.
Grybauskaite said that improving infrastructure was necessary for NATO members, adding: “The idea of a military Schengen zone is pending decisions both on the NATO and EU levels.”
Other issues on the agenda of talks between the two leaders included bilateral ties alongside economic, energy and security collaboration. (aba/pk)
Source: IAR