RIGA 's The presidents of the three Baltic states met at Riga castle July 3 in order to bid a fond farewell to departing Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga.
All three leaders pledged their sense of unity and stressed the need to adopt a co-ordinated approach to numerous matters, including the key issue of relations with Russia.
In response to press questions about the recent Bronze Soldier controversy in Estonia, Vike-Freiberga said that "third countries should not react to decisions taken within independent states."
Lithuanian president Valdas Adamkus added that the events had given an opportunity "for an expression of our unity", while Estonian President President Toomas Hendrik Ilves acknowledged the support his country had received from its neighbours.
"We can never know [which] of us will become the next enemy. That is why a strong solidarity among the three Baltic states as well as between the Baltics and the EU is crucial," he said.
During a private session, the presidents also discussed the development of common transport and energy infrastructure projects, including the proposed Lithuanian nuclear power plant.
Following the press conference, the leaders left to enjoy a working lunch in Jurmala with someone the two remaining incumbent presidents will need to get to know in a hurry 's Latvia's President-elect Valdis Zatlers.
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