Razuks says Latvian-Lithuanian relations have become weaker

RIGA - Saeima deputy Romualds Razuks (birth-name: Romualdas Razukas), who heads the parliamentary group on cooperation with Lithuanian counterparts, commented at a discussion on Feb. 15 that relations between Latvia and Lithuania have weakened in the past years.

“Relations and contacts between people of both countries are weaker, and the ruling elites are not as close and open as before,” Razuks said.

The meeting was called to discuss the report on the prospects for future cooperation between Lithuania and Latvia. But as Razuks noted, the report will also have to include the differences between both countries, or what he calls "the key strategic problems." Also, he feels the report lacks a list of specific measures necessary to boost Baltic unity.

He pointed to differences of opinion regarding energy dependence and relations with Russia in general.

The report on the prospects for future cooperation between Lithuania and Latvia was prepared in 2011, as initiated by Prime Ministers Kubilius and Dombrovskis.