"All parliamentary parties share a view on the matter. We are working consistently in the direction of raising the financing of the defense system. We expect it to be at least 1 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016," Gedvilas said at the meeting.
According to a press release circulated by the parliament's Public Relations Division, the NATO secretary general praised Lithuania's efforts and restated the importance of investing to ensure reliable protection.
The meeting also addressed NATO's cooperation with the European Union (EU) and the need to expand and strengthen it.
According to the statement, the NATO chief thanked Lithuania for its contribution to the mission in Afghanistan. The Lithuanian parliamentary speaker has assured Lithuania will consider joining the mission after 2014.
Gedvilas invited Rasmussen to the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Vilnius next year, expressing hope that the NATO chief will be able to attend.
