 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 by Staff Writers Vilnius (AFP) Oct 11, 2017
Lithuania said Wednesday it would raise its defence spending to 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) next year to meet a NATO target amid security concerns over neighbouring Russia. The government of the Baltic state formally endorsed a rise from the current 1.8 percent of GDP to 2.006 percent for 2018. "In the light of the current global security situation, it is important that each NATO member demonstrates its commitment to the Alliance and meets the defence spending target," Defence Minister Raimundas Karoblis told AFP. Under the 2018 draft budget widely expected to be approved by parliament later this year, defence spending will reach 872 million euros ($1 billion) in the eurozone nation of 2.8 million people. "For the first time in history we will meet our NATO obligations," said Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis. US President Donald Trump has laid on the pressure for European NATO allies to hike their defence budgets, saying they do not pay enough for their security. Lithuania is expected to be among only eight NATO allies to meet the benchmark next year, alongside the United States, Greece, Britain, Poland, Romania, and fellow Baltic states Latvia and Estonia. Karoblis said his "main priorities include the modernisation of Lithuanian armed forces, investment in modern defensive weaponry, infrastructure development and increasing military staff." Earlier this year, NATO sent around 1,000 troops each to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to reassure its eastern flank where officials have been unsettled by Russia's actions in Ukraine and Syria. Under the draft budget, Lithuania expects to run a surplus of 0.6 percent of national output in 2018.
Philippines hails US as top ally, welcomes war gamesManila (AFP) Oct 5, 2017 The Philippines' military chief hailed the United States as his nation's "number one ally" and announced a return of regular war games, following President Rodrigo Duterte's call for warmer ties. Duterte last week vowed to be "friendly" with the United States, signalling an end to relentless criticism that included a vow to end all joint military exercises and branding then US president Bara ... read more Related Links Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Google
