Prime Minister meets Latvia’s new Head of Government: prioritizing security and joint infrastructure projects
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė met with new Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Silina, visiting Lithuania. This is Silina’s first visit to Lithuania as Prime Minister and her first meeting with Lithuania’s Head of Government, Ingrida Šimonytė.
The counterparts discussed security in the region and the challenges within the global security architecture, the Rail Baltica project, the prevention of illegal migration, the synchronisation of the Baltic electricity grids with those of continental Europe, and other issues of mutual interest.
‘We have very close cooperation with Latvia in both bilateral as well as international formats, and, more importantly, it is based on a shared approach and consensus on matters of key importance to our countries. Against the backdrop of security challenges, joint projects - such as Rail Baltica and the synchronisation of the Baltic electricity grids with continental Europe by the beginning of 2025 – gain particular importance. At the same time, we must maintain our unwavering focus and long-term support for Ukraine, because its victory is in the interest of us all’, said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
Latvian Prime Minister Silina thanked Lithuania for the assistance from the State Border Guard Service in securing the country’s border with Belarus and preventing illegal migration. The parties discussed border security solutions that have worked well for Lithuania and might do so in Latvia.
Among other items discussed was the security in the region, including in the Baltic Sea, and efforts to ensure the security of Lithuania’s and Latvia’s energy infrastructure.
As Prime Minister Šimonytė pointed out at the meeting, the Rail Baltica project is of particular relevance to the region, and it therefore must be stepped up.
The agreement on synchronisation by the beginning of 2025 is a significant achievement for all the three Baltic States, moving away from the last dependence on Russia, said Prime Minister Šimonytė, noting the importance of meeting the deadlines.