Lithuanian parliament speaker tells Baltic counterparts of need to cooperate for Kyiv's victory

VILNIUS - Speaker of the Seimas Saulius Skvernelis had a video call with his Latvian and Estonian counterparts on Thursday and stressed the importance of cooperation in achieving Ukraine's victory in its fight against the Russian invasion.

Lithuania's foreign policy remains consistent and relations with its neighbors and NB8 countries are a priority, Skvernelis told Daiga Mierina, speaker of the Latvian Saeima, and Lauris Hussars, speaker of the Estonian Riigikogu.

Skvernelis also underlined the role of parliaments and cooperation with the Baltic and Nordic countries, adding that it "allows us to speak with one voice that can be heard better in Europe and the world".

"We need to continue and strengthen Baltic cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy, speak with one voice to ensure the security of the Baltic region and Ukraine. Bet we need to not just talk, but be active in initiating and making the necessary decisions," Skvernelis said.

The Baltic counterparts congratulated Skvernelis on his recent appointment. The Lithuanian parliament speaker also accepted their invitation to visit Latvia and Estonia.

Skvernelis was elected speaker of the Seimas last Thursday.