“Historical bonds, mutual support and collaboration laid a solid foundation for fraternity between the Baltic countries, which needs to be safeguarded and strengthened, especially in the face of common challenges. Therefore, I propose to resume regular trilateral presidential meetings that would further consolidate the relations between Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, allow to define common positions and represent them more effectively in the European Union,” the President said.
Regional defense was also among the issues addressed at the meeting. President Gitanas Nausėda invited Latvia to deepen bilateral cooperation aimed at renewing NATO’s defense plans and engaging more Allies to keep the Baltic States secure.
The two Presidents reaffirmed their shared approach to building up energy independence from third countries. It was agreed that the synchronization of electricity grids should be implemented on time as a priority. President Gitanas Nausėda invited the Latvian President to work together towards reducing threats posed by the Ostrovets nuclear power plant and its intervention in the electricity market.
“Energy independence is an integral part of national independence and it requires our utmost attention. However, it is interlinked with external threats, especially in the eastern neighborhood. The President of Latvia and myself see these challenges along the same lines,” the President said.
During the President’s meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, strategic transport infrastructure projects were discussed, including Via Baltica, Rail Baltica and the timetable for their completion. It was stated that rebuilding the Rengė rail section was an important factor for the development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
“Trade and economic cooperation between our two countries has untapped potential and there is room for expanding it. One example is the promotion of reciprocal investment,” the President said. The two leaders also reviewed the most urgent EU issues, including climate change, the multiannual financial framework, and Brexit’s impact on the economic growth of member states.
In Riga, the President met with the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Ināra Mūrniece, to discuss regional cooperation and cultural contacts between the Baltic countries.
The last time a Lithuanian president travelled to Latvia on a state visit was on June 12-13, 2012 .
