New President of Lithuania Mr Gitanas Nausėda paid a working visit to Latvia today. During a one-day visit, Mr Nausėda met with President of Latvia Egils Levits at the Riga Castle to discuss topical issues for Latvia and Lithuania in bilateral relations, regional cooperation, as well as the EU and NATO.
At the press conference, the President of Latvia stressed the symbolic nature of the visit of the President of Lithuania, “Lithuania is the land of our brothers and sisters. We share close languages, traditions, culture, and common destiny on the shores of the Baltic Sea. We have a special responsibility to care for and protect our Baltic heritage, as we are the only two living Baltic nations.”
Mr Egils Levits assured that Latvia and Lithuania shared a common vision on crucial regional and international issues. He also said that the two countries shared a common goal to promote security, prosperity, and growth in the Baltic region, “Co-operation among the Baltic States is close, symbolic, and invaluable. This year marks 30 years since we stood hand in hand on the Baltic Way to regain the freedom of our countries. This year, Latvia, as the leader of Baltic co-operation, is working on strengthening the security of the Baltic region and developing regional connectivity. ”
Concerning regional security, the President of Latvia underlined that Latvia would continue to develop defence cooperation with Lithuania in areas such as the development of the Headquarters Multinational Division North, strengthening of the interoperability of the armed forces, and joint air and marine surveillance activities.
When discussing cooperation in other areas, they noted that the Rail Baltica project should move forward, as well as active work on the synchronisation of the Baltic electricity grids with the network of continental Europe network, and the formation of regional gas infrastructure and market.
Photo from the visit
