29 WHITE The MoND allocated about 89 million euros to PRT activities from 2005–2013. Approximately 2500 Lithuanian troops served in the PRT. Troops and civilians from Denmark, Croatia, Iceland, the U.S., Georgia, Ukraine and Japan served and worked at the PRT. continues its active participation in NATO, EU, UN, OSCE and other international operations and missions in various regions throughout the world. Lithuania made a significant contribution to international peace and stability as well as gained invaluable experience with its participation in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operation in Afghanistan. Among these efforts, from 2005 to 2013, the Lithuania-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Ghor province, maintained a stable security environment, trained Afghan National Security Forces, supported the institutions of Afghanistan, and contributed to developing good governance, the economy, education, health care and other areas. An important part of the Lithuanian military contribution in Afghanistan was the operations of Lithuanian Special Operations Forces in the Southern part of Afghanistan. As new threats emerged, Lithuania reoriented its involvement in international operations. Besides its role in Ukraine, Lithuania now contributes more to international operations, training and advisory missions focused on building local defence capacity in the Middle East and Africa. Lithuania is also becoming more actively involved in maritime operations, supporting the efforts of the international community to stop illegal migration in the Mediterranean Sea and to fight piracy in the Indian Ocean. This trend will most likely continue into the foreseeable future. By participating in international operations, Lithuania, as a competent and reliable ally, contributes to a more secure environment and to the efforts of the international community to stabilise the situation in crisis regions. At the same time, Lithuanian troops gain valuable experience in operational planning and execution, civil-military cooperation, and common work with the Allies in various international settings. All experience gained in these operational environments is of vital importance for Lithuanian national defence. PA P E R

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