Lithuania to extend defence attaché’s role in Georgia to cover Armenia and Azerbaijan

The Lithuanian government has approved a proposal for the country’s defence attaché in Georgia to also perform duties in Armenia and Azerbaijan, state broadcaster LRT reports.

The decision, backed by the Cabinet on Wednesday, follows a proposal by the Ministry of National Defence to expand the attaché’s responsibilities without additional state budget funding. The ministry stated that existing resources would cover the extended role.

According to the ministry, NATO and the European Union have been strengthening cooperation with Armenia and Azerbaijan, supporting democratic control of armed forces, defence reforms, and national security capabilities. The proposal notes Armenia’s efforts to deepen ties with EU and NATO member states, as well as Azerbaijan’s interest in enhancing practical defence collaboration.

“Given the changing geopolitical context in the region, Armenia’s aim to strengthen relations with the EU and NATO countries, and Azerbaijan’s willingness to expand practical cooperation in defence, the Ministry of National Defence considers it expedient for Lithuania to be represented not only in Georgia but also in Armenia and Azerbaijan,” the proposal states.

A deputy defence attaché position was established at Lithuania’s embassy in Tbilisi in 2024 to ensure direct information flow on Georgia and the South Caucasus region, as well as to strengthen cooperation between defence and security institutions.