Michal to discuss security with Baltic counterparts

TALLINN - Prime Minister Kristen Michal is set to attend a meeting of the Baltic prime ministers in Riga on Friday, marking the conclusion of Latvia's presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers.

The meeting will address regional security, including support for Ukraine and the pursuit of a just peace, as well as initiatives to strengthen Europe's eastern flank. The agenda also includes the progress of the Rail Baltica construction, along with priorities and cooperation in the negotiations for the European Union's next multiannual budget.

"The year now coming to an end was a landmark for Baltic cooperation. In February, we definitively broke our dependence on the Russian electricity system and connected with continental Europe. We are collaborating to ensure our energy security through new interconnections and working with allies to strengthen the security of the Baltic Sea region. Our focus is also on the rapid progress of Rail Baltica and securing adequate funding for it. We cannot afford to let our guard down on this," said Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

"Starting from January next year, Estonia will take over the presidencies for both Baltic cooperation and Nordic-Baltic cooperation. I thank Latvia for its work over the past year."

A joint press conference with the three prime ministers, with simultaneous interpretation into Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian, will begin at 1 p.m.