During the conversation with President Kaljulaid, President Nausėda pointed at Lithuania’s wish to restore regular meetings of the presidents of the Baltic States. “Cooperation among the Baltic States is strategic as we aim to enhance Baltic economic and energy integration, boost regional security and consolidate joint positions in the international organizations. We believe that meetings of the Baltic presidents could significantly contribute to strengthening competitive advantage of the region in the world and further enhance the trans-Atlantic integration”, said President Nausėda.
The Lithuanian and Estonian Presidents discussed key energy security issues, progress of joint projects and initiatives such as synchronization of the Baltic power grid with the West and development of the single European natural gas market. The President of Lithuania drew attention to the Ostravets nuclear power plant which posed threat to EU countries and was constructed in breach of environmental and nuclear safety standards and also noted that safety issues of the power plant project should be addressed at the EU level and no compromises on safety were possible.
During the meeting the Presidents exchanged views on the prospects of Nordic Baltic 8 cooperation. Presidents admitted the significance of this format for discussions on relevant regional issues, including but not limited to sustainable growth, climate change, development of innovation and financial markets as well as tackling poverty and inequality.
The President congratulated Estonia on becoming a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council 2020-2021. “It shows recognition, respect and opportunity to draw the attention of the international community to security issues in our region. It is a great responsibility which Lithuania had the privilege to assume rather recently therefore we are prepared to share our experience with Estonia”, highlighted the President.
The two leaders also discussed relations with Russia and Eastern Partnership countries, as well as the means to fight against hybrid threats, propaganda and disinformation. Both Presidents agreed that sanctions against Russia should continue as long as Minsk agreements are implemented. “It is crucial to consolidate international support for Ukraine and the reforms it implements”, said the President.
Trade and economic ties between Lithuania and Estonia as well as interinstitutional collaboration develop rapidly. In this context, joint activities of financial sector regulators as well as initiative of establishing a Baltic capital market are highly important in order to ensure financial stability and manage risks. The President invited Estonian companies and inventors to join CERN business incubator which is the only one in the region, and financial technology businesses and start-ups to take part in the largest Fintech conference to be held on 20 November 2019.
The President visits Estonia on the occasion of Restoration of Independence which was declared on 20 August 1991. The visit also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way and the 40th anniversary of the Baltic Appeal signed by 45 Baltic citizens.
