Presidents of Latvia and Estonia discuss progress on Rail Baltica project

RIGA - Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, during his state visit to Estonia, met with Estonian President Alar Karis on Ruhnu Island on Wednesday to discuss progress on the Rail Baltica railway project, the presidents said at a press conference.

Karis noted that it is necessary to consider how to connect Estonia and Latvia even more effectively. He believes that Rail Baltica is one of the most important initiatives, the completion of which requires even greater joint efforts.

Rinkevics said that Latvia views Rail Baltica a strategically important project for the entire region, which is crucial not only for the development of economic cooperation and passenger traffic but also for military mobility. "And right now, the new Latvian government is also working on this project as one of its priorities," Rinkevics noted.

He emphasized that the Baltic states will need to work together with the European Union (EU) to secure funding also for the next planning period. "And we must also work to address the mistakes and problems that have arisen in the project's management so far. But I am confident that together we will be able to do this," the president of Latvia said.

In his address, Karis emphasized that it is equally important to develop new energy connections, digital cooperation, and better transportation links. He believes that a well-connected region is stronger, more resilient, and also more attractive to both people and businesses. "Tomorrow, we will jointly open the Estonian-Latvian Business Forum in Tallinn. This is a great opportunity to look to the future and discuss how to strengthen our economic ties, bring entrepreneurs together, and create new opportunities for cooperation," Karis said.

The Estonian president believes that Estonian and Latvian companies know each other well, and it is their initiatives and cooperation that help drive the economies of both countries forward. Trust is the greatest asset in Estonian-Latvian relations. According to Karis, this is evident both in cooperation between the two countries and in the efforts of entrepreneurs, scientists, teachers, cultural workers, and members of local communities, who contribute every day to making the relationship between the two countries even stronger.

Karis recalled that for centuries, the Baltic Sea has brought the people of Estonia and Latvia together, and from this has grown the trust and cooperation on which the two nations still rely today. "Our cooperation is so close that we often take it for granted, but in reality, it is built on trust, shared choices, and knowledge of how to achieve the best results, all of which have developed over the years," the Estonian president said.

He pointed out that the security situation has changed, but new technologies and economic development create new opportunities every day - opportunities that both countries can take advantage of by working together. "Of course, we discussed European security and the upcoming NATO summit, and it is important for Europe to demonstrate through action its readiness to assume greater responsibility for collective defense and to strengthen our defense capabilities. A prerequisite for this is the commitment to spending 5 percent [of GDP] on defense agreed at the previous summit," Karis explained.

He emphasized that it is equally important to maintain a strong transatlantic bond. Latvia is cooperating closely on strengthening the eastern border, developing drone defense, and building the Baltic defense line. Estonia has just sent another group of border guards to Latvia to help combat attacks by illegal immigrants. As Karis explained, all of these actions serve to strengthen the security of NATO's eastern flank and Europe as a whole.

The Estonian president highlighted the need for the EU's next long-term budget to pay even greater attention to the needs of the eastern border and the eastern flank as an important prerequisite. He emphasized that Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine has significantly altered European security. "We see no signs that Russia has abandoned its objectives," Karis stressed, adding that it is therefore necessary to continue both pressuring Russia to end the war and providing steady support to Ukraine. Therefore, he said, support for Ukraine - political, military, economic, and diplomatic - is continuing in order to strengthen European security and mitigate risks throughout the region.

The Latvian president thanked Karis for his kind words and acknowledged that it was an honor for him to be the first Latvian president to visit Ruhnu Island. Rinkevics noted that the idea to visit Ruhnu Island on a state visit arose last August, when he and President Karis celebrated the 500th anniversary of printed books in Latvian and Estonian.

"I think I can only agree with what the president of Estonia said about our close neighborly relations, about our very good relations, our close political, cultural, economic, transport, and energy ties. We have worked hard to strengthen, maintain, and further develop these relations," said Rinkevics.

He emphasized that Estonia is a significant economic cooperation partner for Latvia, as it is Latvia's third-largest trading partner and also its second-largest investor. Rinkevics noted that he looks forward to addressing business partners and the business communities of both countries at the forum and discussing ways to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.

As regards defense, Rinkevics emphasized that he views the Alliance's upcoming summit in Ankara, which will take place next week, not as a summit for political declarations, nor as a summit for commitments, since the 5 percent defense spending target was already decided last year in The Hague. According to him, the 5 percent does not in and of itself strengthen defense, but rather strengthens specific capabilities and specific areas that need to be developed. In this context, the development of the defense industry and continued support for Ukraine will be the main priorities that Latvia will pursue and which should be achieved, Rinkevics noted.

The Latvian president thanked Estonia for its support during the hybrid war, specifically, the situation that unfolded on the Belarus-Latvia border. "Your assistance is truly invaluable; it strengthens our security, and we are very, very grateful for it," Rinkevics said.

The Latvian president noted that he meets with the Estonian president very often and thanked Karis for his personal contribution to promoting cooperation between the two countries. "I must say that all the finest, most interesting and attractive ideas for strengthening our relationship have come from Karis. I have just been following along, and I must admit that his creativity is simply fantastic," said Rinkevics.

Rinkevics invited Karis and his wife to attend a ballet performance dedicated to the music of Estonian composer Arvo Part at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.

As reported, Rinkevics is in Estonia on a state visit today through July 3.

The Latvian president is scheduled to visit Ruhnu Island and Tallinn, as well as to meet with Estonia's highest-ranking officials.

Rinkevics is expected to participate in the Latvian-Estonian Business Forum and the Livonia Award ceremony.

The Latvian president is scheduled to meet with residents of Ruhnu Island and representatives of the Latvian community. Rinkevics is also expected to visit HK Unicorn Squad, a drone pilot training center for Estonian residents.