Belgium to deploy 200 troops to Lithuania amid tensions with Russia

​​​​​​​By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Defense Minister Theo Francken announced Wednesday that Belgium will send more than 200 troops to Lithuania next week as part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence mission.

"This deployment demonstrates our continued commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities within the alliance. It is a clear sign of solidarity with our NATO allies on the eastern flank," said Francken.

Belgian French-language newspaper Le Soir said the deployment until Jan. 31 is to reinforce NATO's military presence in Eastern Europe amid growing security concerns with the war in Ukraine.

The deployment responds to a request from Germany and highlights the close ties between the two countries, Francken noted.

The plan requires approval from Belgium's Council of Ministers.