Baltic policy coordination crucial in current geopolitical situation - Rinkevics

RIGA - Joint policy coordination among the Baltic States is crucial in the current geopolitical situation, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said during his first visit as president to Lithuania today.

Justine Deicmane, head of the Presidential Media Center, informed LETA that during his official visit the Latvian President met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to discuss the decisions taken at the NATO Vilnius Summit and the security of the Baltic region, energy security issues, as well as opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Latvia and Lithuania.

Rinkevics noted that Latvia and Lithuania are close partners with an active political and economic dialogue. The two countries share common interests, in particular in strengthening security and defense capabilities, ensuring the energy security and independence of the Baltic region and providing all forms of support to Ukraine. Latvia and Lithuania also share a common European Union and NATO agenda.

Rinkevics expressed the view that Lithuania is a valuable partner for security and defense cooperation. In his view, the NATO Vilnius Summit should be seen as a success for the region and for global security. The summit will go down in history as a significant step in the NATO-Ukraine partnership.

"We will stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary, providing all necessary bilateral support. NATO must also ensure Ukraine's long-term security and its ability to deter Russia from renewed aggression," Rinkevics stressed.

The President of Latvia pointed out that cooperation between Latvia and Lithuania contributes greatly to regional unity and development and is of crucial importance in the current geopolitical circumstances.

"We value all existing formats of our cooperation and coordination on important regional and international issues. Active and united Baltic coordination is crucial in the current geopolitical situation. Therefore, I would like to work closely with Lithuania for the benefit of the trilateral cooperation of the Baltic States," Rinkevics affirmed.

During the official visit, the sides discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation in energy, transport and infrastructure projects.

During the visit, they also exchanged views on the current situation in regards to implementation of the project to synchronize the Baltic electricity transmission system with the continental European grid. Rinkevics expressed the view that pragmatic and coordinated action by all three Baltic States is essential in this regard.