VILNIUS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's new Chief of Defense Major General Valdemaras Rupsys took over his duties during the solemn inauguration ceremony on Thursday, pledging to further modernize the Armed Forces of Lithuania and improve readiness and maintenance of all military units.
President Gitanas Nauseda attended the ceremony and delivered a speech stating that Lithuanian soldiers "have always been a striking example of dedication and unconditional service to their homeland."
"The history reminds us that we must remain vigilant and must work on strengthening Lithuania's security even in the peacetime," said Nauseda.
The president, who is also Commander-in-Chief, transferred to Rupsys the regalia of the chief of defense -- the flag of the Armed Forces, the sceptre and the badge. The incoming Chief of Defense took an oath to defend the integrity of the territory of Lithuania and to strengthen the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Major General Rupsys said that his main focus will be on improving military training, as well as integration of the newly procured systems into military training, noting that the fundamental development plans of the Armed Forces have been prepared before him.
In earlier comments following his appointment last week, Rupsys also pledged to consider speeding-up acquisitions of weaponry, such as new armored vehicles and artillery systems, depending on the funding capabilities.
Maj Gen Rupsys joined the Armed Forces in 1990 and had been in charge of different units, Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense said in a statement. He was appointed as Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force in 2016.
On July 18 the Lithuania's parliament approved Rupsys as the next chief of defense. He took over the authority from Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas Zukas who had led the Lithuanian Armed Forces since 2014.
According to the Constitution of Lithuania, the chief of defense is appointed by the President for the maximal tenure of five years.
Lithuania's defense spending amounted to 2 percent of the country's GDP last year. According to a national agreement among Lithuanian political parties, the country seeks to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2030.
