"The minister said Lithuania would seek closer cooperation between the EU and NATO, improved efficiency of use of EU combat groups, more attention to energy security and Eastern partnership countries," the Defense Ministry said.
Presentating the involvement of Lithuanian troops in international operations, Olekas has said that NATO operation in Afghanistan remains Lithuania's key priority, adding that the focus will gradually shift to EU-led missions.
"In the end of March, two Lithuanian military instructors left for Mali to attend an EU training mission, we will join the EU anti-piracy operation ATALANTA off Somali coasts in August; furthermore, Lithuanian troops will serve in the UK-led EU combat group in the second half of this year," said the ministry.
The Irish chief of defense also met with his Lithuanian counterpart, Lieutenant General Arvydas Pocius, and discussed the possibilities of deepening bilateral cooperation.
"Military training is the direction, in which we intend to develop our military cooperation in the nearest future," Pocius said at the meeting.
Lithuania is due to take over EU Council presidency from Ireland on July 1.
