"In the context of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, we must continue to keep the unity of NB8, the whole of Europe and democratic world, provide political, economic, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine, maintain pressure on Russia in an effort to end its military aggression against this country, and defend democratic principles within international forums,” Landsbergis said.
At the two-day meeting, foreign ministers discussed ways to strengthen regional security, Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, support for Ukraine, energy security in the region, the impact of global economic challenges on the countries of the region, prospects for closer cooperation with the Indo-Pacific democracies, preparations for the next United Nations General Assembly, and other issues of importance for the region.
Landsbergis also stressed that prospects for regional cooperation were only getting stronger, especially in the field of defence and security after the decision of Sweden and Finland to join NATO. “After these close Nordic neighbours join NATO, the alliance will become even stronger. In addition, the Nordic-Baltic region will be much safer. The Baltic Sea will become the internal sea of the defensive alliance. We expect already 32 members to attend the NATO summit in Vilnius next year," Landsbergis said.
Landsbergis welcomed coordinated actions of the NB8, visibility and joint statements at the UN General Assembly, Security Council's debates, and cooperation within the Human Rights Council, which included Lithuania and Finland as members for the period 2022-2024. Alone this year, the NB8 made 79 joint statements at the Human Rights Council (49th and 50th sessions) and 7 joint statements in New York.
“By working together, we demonstrate and promote our values and common interests. We are striving to be the region’s leaders in defending democratic principles, strengthening and increasing the visibility of the Nordic-Baltic political “brand”, Landsbergis said.
Landsbergis also invited his counterparts from the Nordic and Baltic states to attend the forum 'Future of Democracy' in Vilnius on 9-10 November this year.
The Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) is an informal (non-institutionalized) regional co-operation format between the five Nordic and three Baltic states: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. The NB8 countries rotate each year to coordinate the NB8 activities. They organise and host the meetings that take place during that year. Lithuania coordinates the NB8 cooperation in 2022.