The declaration came as Duda, alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, observed the "Brave Griffin" military exercises in Lithuania's Alytus region.
"These exercises demonstrate the readiness of Polish soldiers to aid our Lithuanian neighbors if needed," Duda stated, linking the maneuvers to the larger NATO strategy to safeguard the Suwałki Gap, a critical geographical area on the Polish-Lithuanian border that he said was facing potential threats "in the current geopolitical climate."
Duda detailed how the exercises serve as a continuation of the "Dragon 24" operations in Poland, which simulated allied troop movements across the Vistula River to prepare for defensive actions in the Suwałki Gap area.
He also noted "the persistent hybrid attacks" along the Polish and Lithuanian borders orchestrated by the Belarusian regime, highlighting similar pressures felt by Latvia and a recent incident on the Finnish border.
Duda also shared insights from his recent talks in the United States and Canada, where he proposed an increase in NATO defense spending, reflecting on Russia’s escalated militarization and the need for a robust NATO response.
"It is vital for NATO members to consider raising the defense spending cap," Duda argued, suggesting a shift from the current 2 percent of GDP standard to a higher threshold.
Echoing Duda's sentiments, Lithuania’s Nausėda praised Poland's commitment to security.
"We admire Poland as an example in the area of security and defense, a country that invests more than 4 percent of its GDP in defense," Nausėda said, as quoted by Polish state news agency PAP.
He supported the call for increased NATO spending, mentioning ongoing discussions in Lithuania to potentially allocate 4 percent of its GDP to defense, underscoring the urgency in these "dynamic and complicated times."
The leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in defense logistics and ammunition procurement for their respective American HIMARS artillery systems, highlighting increased cooperation in military logistics.
The "Brave Griffin" exercises, which began last Sunday, include forces from the United States and Portugal. The aim is to test defensive strategies in the Suwałki Gap area as part of the Polish-Lithuanian Orsha Plan, the PAP news agency reported.
The drills involve 1,500 soldiers and nearly 200 units of military equipment.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP