Lithuania and Germany have signed an intergovernmental agreement regarding the permanent deployment of German troops on Lithuanian soil, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced on Friday, September 13.

The agreement was signed in Berlin by Lithuanian National Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. However, it still needs to be ratified by the parliaments of both countries.

The defense cooperation agreement outlines the legal status of German military forces, civilian employees, and their families in Lithuania. It also covers the provision of civilian services such as healthcare, transportation, and education for the children of military personnel.

The document establishes procedures for the use of designated military areas, the arrival and departure of German armed forces, and their movement within the Republic of Lithuania. It also sets forth rules for jurisdiction, security measures, and the potential establishment of educational institutions for the German armed forces in Lithuania, as well as access to medical services for German soldiers and civilian staff.