Baltic PMs discuss future development of the region

RIGA - The prime ministers of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania discussed the future development of the region and other important issues during informal talks in Cesis over the weekend, Anna Udre, communications adviser to Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity), told LETA.

Latvia holds the presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers this year, so the annual informal meeting of the Baltic heads of Government took place in Latvia.

The program of the meeting between Silina, Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal started on Saturday in Ligatne, where they got acquainted with local business, including the Ligatne Paper Mill, and baked bread together.

In the evening, the prime ministers visited Cesis to learn about community initiatives and Draugiem Group's contribution to the development of the town, and at the end of the day attended a concert called Dedication by opera singer Elina Garanca at the Vidzeme Concert Hall.

On Sunday, the prime ministers visited the Cesis Space Exploration Center, where they had a hands-on experience of various aspects of STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics - education.

Silina said that it was an honor to host her Baltic counterparts in Latvia and to showcase Latvia's entrepreneurial spirit outside the capital. Such visits strengthen not only cooperation, but also mutual understanding and provide an opportunity to informally discuss issues of importance to the Baltic region, the Prime Minister said.