Honourable Madam Speaker of the Saeima!
Distinguished Members of the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly!
Distinguished Members of the parliaments of all three Baltic states!
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen!
And the young people in the balcony!
It is truly a great pleasure and a genuine honour for me to be here with you today and to welcome you to the annual conference of the Baltic Assembly.
I believe this is a particularly special day, as this conference takes place on 9 May – Europe Day. This day is dedicated to peace and unity in Europe. And, as it happens, today also marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for European cooperation.
It must be said that if we look back in history, in 1950, we were not part of the political Europe of that time. Our three countries were under occupation, and it was not until almost 50 years later that we were able to return to Europe. But we did not give up, we persevered, and today we are fully pledged members of both the European Union and NATO.
We are also pleased that over the decades, cooperation between nations has brought about the establishment of the European Union, and that today we are discussing not only how to strengthen our defence, our security, and our resilience, but also how we can collectively support countries such as Ukraine and Moldova, and how we can assist the people of Georgia.
Yesterday, we marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. We commemorated the victims of that war, and in large part celebrated the Europe that has emerged – a Europe that was able to live in peace and harmony. This vision of Europe was disrupted in 2014, when a deeply regrettable and misguided process began with the occupation of Crimea, followed in 2022 by full-scale warfare, which continues to this day.
It once seemed that the lessons of the 20th century would be heeded in the 21st, and that the words so often used about “never again”, which are said so often in relation to war in Europe and around the world would ring true. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. And precisely for this reason, I believe it is vital for us all to follow the example of the Baltic states. We must work together, whether at the parliamentary or governmental levels, or in our everyday interactions, to achieve results, prevent conflicts, and ensure that Europe and the wider world can work to prevent events like the Second World War or the invasion of Ukraine from happening again. We must fight against it together. And therefore, I would say that we, alongside our diplomats and our common diplomacy, have very concrete tasks in front of us.
First, we must to strengthen cooperation among the Baltic states in defence, in strengthening our external borders, as well as in the development and collaboration of the defence industry.
Second, I am delighted that, since last year, the Baltic Sea has effectively become a shared European Union and NATO sea. Our cooperation, encompassing the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, Poland, and Germany, is growing ever-closer. This is a cooperation born of practical necessity. There remains much to be done in strengthening the Baltic Sea regional security, and still much to be achieved in reinforcing our own defence and security. Yet it is clear that our mutual interests have transcended mere courtesy and are now pivotal.
Third, everything is far from over. Regrettably, there remains a sense that not all of Europe shares a unified understanding of the tasks ahead. Therefore, we – Baltic states, Nordic countries, and like-minded nations such as Poland and Germany – must work diligently to ensure that the European Union becomes stronger, more secure, and much more united in responding to aggressors.
Fourth, despite the occasional rhetoric, we are in a unique position to strengthen and maintain the vitality of the transatlantic bond – both with the United States of America and with Canada.
The United States of America and Canada play a vital role, especially in this region. And while the rhetoric on both sides may occasionally sting, it is precisely the Baltic region that can serve as a meaningful bridge, a serious contributor to the strengthening of transatlantic relations in the future. We have been heard in Washington, Brussels, Berlin, Paris, and in other capitals.
And finally, as I have previously said, one of our principal tasks, shaped by our own history, is to provide unwavering support for all nations fighting for their freedom and independence; for those countries currently facing direct military or hybrid aggression. This includes Ukraine, Moldova, and support for the people of Georgia in their struggle for freedom and democracy. I am aware that today you will also be discussing the situation in Belarus. It also provides support for the people of Belarus. In truth, it also extends to those segments of Russian society who wish to see their country free, democratic, and unburdened by any form of oppression or regime.
We often take pride in and frequently commemorate significant anniversaries and milestones, such as the Baltic Way, our national days of restoration of independence, or our independence days.
We are also an example that demonstrates how much can be achieved through non-violent resistance as well as diplomatic and political efforts by society. I must say, as someone who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for almost twelve years, I find the theme of this conference particularly fascinating. Because diplomacy has no borders. Sadly, the shortcomings and failures of diplomacy often have to be corrected by others – often by soldiers. That is our common mission: to ensure that we, either parliamentarians, diplomats, or politicians, never make such mistakes, and to fully harness our potential in advancing the development and security of our country.
On a concluding note, I am delighted to be here with you today and I wish you a successful conference! The Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers are organisations that have already contributed greatly to our unity and the advancement of our common interests. I am confident that this positive trend will continue in the future.
Thank you very much!
