‘Naturally, as the travel opportunities have opened up, one of my first visits is paid to the neighbours. We are interested in strengthening and expanding the strategic partnership with Latvia and creating conditions for even closer relationship. It is especially gratifying that in recent years, more and more of our people are visiting each other,’ said the Head of the Lithuanian Government.
The meetings have focused on the threat posed by the unsafe Astravets NPP to all EU citizens and the non-purchase of electricity from third countries.
‘One of the most important matters is that we treat the situation similarly. Astravets NPP is unsafe, and the electricity it produces must not enter the EU market. We also see the synchronisation process in the same way, and we will speed it up as much as possible. It is important to me to make sure that we do not have different positions politically. And technical matters will be discussed by energy specialists in the near future,’ emphasised the Prime Minister.
The Head of the Lithuanian Government has thanked her Latvian counterpart for Latvia’s quick response to the hijacking of a civilian aircraft by the regime of Belarus.
‘Only a united stance of the democratic international community and consistent pressure can send a clear message to the regime that there is no other way than to end repression against its own citizens and attacks on the EU. We are particularly concerned about the apparent torture, the constantly growing number of political prisoners in Belarus, and the illegal migration across the border with Lithuania, organised with the knowledge or even assistance of the regime. If Belarus regime uses illegal migrants as a weapon and a means of pressure against the EU, it is a violation not only of international norms, but also of basic humanity,’ said the Prime Minister.
The meeting has focused on the implementation of joint strategic infrastructure projects – synchronisation of electricity systems and Rail Baltica.
‘Implementation of the strategic projects, within ambitious deadlines, should continue to be a priority for our governments,’ said the Lithuanian Prime Minister.
A decision of the Latvian government on travel facilitation adopted this week, opening up opportunities for mutual travel on the basis of a digital COVID certificate, has been welcomed.
‘I hope that this summer the residents of Lithuania and Latvia, who have certificates, will be able to travel without hindrance. We can see a growing tendency for our people to get to know each other even better,’ said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
The Lithuanian Prime Minister has also paid tribute to those who died for Latvia’s independence by laying flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga and in memory of the victims of the Soviet occupation at the Memorial of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
