The meeting focused on bilateral relations between Lithuania and Estonia, their economic and business cooperation as well as energy and regional security issues.
"Estonia is one of the most important partners of Lithuania with whom we share a common goal - the well-being of our people as well as secure and economically successful future of the Baltic States. We will achieve this goal by strengthening cooperation in the sphere of security and defence and implementing projects of strategic importance to regional economic development, such as power and transport interconnections with Western Europe," the President said.
The Lithuanian President and the Estonian Prime Minister discussed preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in September. The Lithuanian head of state underlined that in view of the existing threats near the Baltic countries' and NATO's eastern borders, one of the key tasks for the Alliance is to review its defence capabilities and improve responsiveness. Lithuania and Estonia will jointly seek to enhance NATO's presence in the region, with more military exercises and training.
It was also emphasized at the meeting that swift response of the Allies to the threats facing the Baltic region is a successful example of solidarity and collective defence.
According to the President, energy security of the region is a major task seeking successful economic development of the Baltic States. Therefore, power and gas interconnections with Poland which will end energy isolation of the region by connecting it with Western Europe energy networks are in the interest of all three Baltic countries. Lithuania has launched the construction of power interconnection LitPol Link, the gas pipeline project (GIPL) with Poland is under way. More joint efforts of the Baltic States are needed to implement these projects.
The President has informed the Estonian Prime Minister that the first regional liquefied natural gas terminal in Klaipėda will be put into operation this coming December. It will ensure alternative gas supplies at lower prices for the Baltics. President Grybauskaitė invited Estonia to make use of the opportunities offered by the Klaipėda LNG terminal.
As regards the railway project Rail Baltica, the President noted that this project will deliver greatest benefits if it connects all three Baltic capitals.
