Prime Minister in Latvia: Close Cooperation and Maximum Attention to Security is the Necessity of Our Time
Today, our peers and allies must use all formats to strengthen European and transatlantic security, defence and resilience, Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas said at meetings with Latvian leaders in Riga. The Prime Minister noted the excellent bilateral relations between Lithuania and Latvia, which help to implement large-scale projects such as synchronisation and to speak with one voice on issues of regional importance.
On Thursday, the Head of the Government of Lithuania met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Silina, the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevičs, and the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mierina.
The meetings focused on strengthening security and defence, energy security and resilience, support to Ukraine, regional cooperation and strengthening transatlantic ties, joint infrastructure projects and the most pressing issues on the EU and NATO agendas.
"Only a strong Europe that takes responsibility for its own security will be able to deter, to protect its borders and its people, and to build a transatlantic partnership of equals. Lithuania's and Latvia's investments in defence are an example that we are not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk in the interests of our security," said Mr Paluckas.
The Prime Minister added that a shared understanding of threats must be accompanied by defence funding that meets the challenges we face. He emphasised that the NATO Summit in The Hague should serve as a platform for establishing new commitments, aiming for at least 3% of GDP for defence.
Lithuania and Latvia, among the most active supporters of Ukraine under Russian attack, will continue to firmly support Ukraine's struggle for freedom, its territorial integrity and the right to decide its own future, the meetings noted. Any ceasefire imposing aggressor's conditions on Ukraine would not ensure sustainable peace and would encourage Russia to act in the same way as it has done so far, Prime Minister Paluckas stressed.
Meetings also addressed the critical security of the Baltic Sea’s infrastructure, which is of utmost importance to the region’s countries, as well as the essential elements of monitoring, response, and decisive action needed to ensure its protection. In the face of shared regional challenges, cooperation within formats such as the Nordic-Baltic Eight has become particularly significant and should be deepened and intensified.
This month marked the completion of the Baltic States' synchronisation with the continental European electricity grid—a testament to how regional unity enables the achievement of large-scale strategic goals.
"We must build on this successful experience as we implement another strategic project—Rail Baltica. Faster progress is essential, but in many respects, the success of this crucial project depends on the ability of all three Baltic States to move forward at the fastest possible pace," said Prime Minister G. Paluckas.
The meetings emphasised the importance of maintaining and strengthening the transatlantic bond, which is crucial for security, energy, and the economy. It is essential to preserve a relationship with the US based on constructive cooperation and mutual interest.