Estonian parlt speaker discusses cooperation opportunities with Lithuanian counterpart

  • 2021-01-12
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN - President of the Estonian parliament Henn Polluaas met with Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen via a video bridge on Tuesday, the two speakers discussed managing the coronavirus, bilateral parliamentary cooperation, and cooperation opportunities in the Baltic Sea region.  

Both agreed that the Baltic states shared the same history and the same values.

"We are each other’s closest partners," Polluaas said. "Working together rather than individually, we can achieve more on the international level as well. For example, when planning visits to our partners."

Polluaas highlighted the fully established cooperation between the speakers of Nordic and Baltic parliaments, who will be engaged in the ongoing dialogue on economy, security, as well as environmental protection.

"Being in the same region, we share the same challenges in these fields," he said.   

Both speakers outlined the COVID-19 situation and the rate of vaccinations in their countries. They also shared their experiences on the organization of parliamentary work during the coronavirus crisis, and compared remote sitting solutions. 

Wednesday is the 30th anniversary of the defense of the Vilnius TV Tower after the restoration of Lithuania's independence. Polluaas expressed his condolences to the friends and families of those who lost their lives in these events. Lithuania will celebrate that day as a national holiday on Wednesday, commemorating the victims and remembering freedom fighters.