On February 20, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa held a meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas to discuss the matters of European security and support for Ukraine, as well as the common priority of reducing bureaucracy, not only in both countries, but in Europe as a whole.
"Latvia and Lithuania share a common understanding of the importance of transatlantic relations, Europe’s security and support for Ukraine," said E. Siliņa. "We have developed very close cooperation not only among the Baltic States, but also with the Nordic countries, Poland, and the UK, to coordinate common positions and action."
"The close cooperation we have established in the region has made our voice louder in Europe," points out the Prime Minister. "Together, we have tightened sanctions against Russia and Belarus, improved cooperation to protect infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Right now, Europe aimsto invest more in defence and in the development of Europe's military industry, while increasing the support for Ukraine. I have always emphasized the need for this at European leaders' meetings."
The Prime Ministers of Latvia and Lithuania highlighted the priority of boosting Europe's competitiveness and economic growth. The two Prime Ministers share a common goal of reducing bureaucracy in Europe to improve the business and innovation environment. The Prime Ministers also discussed the security and development of critical infrastructure, including the Rail Baltica project, which, like the integration into the EU electricity grid, would connect the Baltic States to Europe through a common rail infrastructure and provide opportunities for more convenient travel across Europe.
