“The positions of the Nordic and Baltic countries on key foreign policy issues are mostly very similar, so coordination of our actions takes on even greater importance in the context of the current geopolitical situation in the region. We will be better heard only if we speak with one voice and then we will have a better chance to defend our interests and to promote our values,” noted the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy.
In the meeting, Linkevičius overviewed the 25-year-long Nordic-Baltic cooperation and called on his counterparts to look for joint measures to further strengthen the relationship. A quarter of a century’s cooperation started with an active support of the Nordic countries for the consolidation of independence in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and for the path towards their Euro-Atlantic integration.
“The experience and support of the Nordic countries immediately after the declaration of our independence was particularly valuable for security in the Baltic states, military cooperation, and multilateral projects. Ukraine is very much in need of such our support today,” stressed Linkevičius.
The Ministers discussed the region’s security situation and implementation of agreements of the NATO Summit in Warsaw, exchanged opinions on the EU’s agenda after the EU referendum in the United Kingdom and a failed coup in Turkey.
“Today, just like 25 years ago, the security situation in our region in large part depends on Russia’s aggressive policy and its actions. This is a joint challenge to us all,” emphasized Linkevičius.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister urged the neighbouring countries to aim to have projects of planned nuclear power plants in the region carried out in compliance with international nuclear safety standards. The construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus, Astravets, raises particular concerns at the moment. Linkevičius stressed that the new EU-backed energy infrastructure projects should promote the diversification of energy sources and improve energy security in all the EU member states. However, this cannot be said about the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project that is currently being discussed.
Linkevičius informed his counterparts about his visit to Turkey that week. He was the first EU and NATO Foreign Minister to visit Turkey after the attempted military coup.
Latvia coordinates the NB8 activities in 2016. Next year, Norway will take over the coordination of the agenda of this cooperation.
