On Thursday 12 January, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis held a meeting with Prime Minister of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis in Rīga.
During the meeting, the officials discussed a number of issues of concern to both sides. The Prime Minister stressed that it is important to enter into agreement on the maintenance of the Latvian - Lithuanian border and authorized activities. In addition, an agreement has to be concluded on the provision of emergency medical assistance in border areas, and the work should continue on the Economic Cooperation Agreement.
The mutual co-operation between Latvia and Lithuania has recently resulted in specific projects, for example, an agreement to coordinate the military procurement. Similarly, the border guards of Latvia and Lithuania cooperate to detect and prevent illegal migration within the EU.
The two officials discussed the need to expand the legal framework, economic cooperation and energy issues, as well as the possibility to effectively implement the Rail Baltica project. "The successful implementation of the Rail Baltica project is the joint strategic interest of the three Baltic States. In this area, it is important to respect the hard-won agreements - both in terms of project implementation and supervisory institutional framework," said the Prime Minister. He also expressed the hope that in the coming weeks it will be possible to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement on the implementation of the Rail Baltica project.
As regards the security issues, both parties confirmed that the funding of 2% of gross domestic product will be allocated for this purpose in 2018.
This was the first foreign visit of the Prime Minister of Lithuania since the approval of his government.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/albums/72157679057662065
Recording of the press conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GGfNOSVRDE&t=1s
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv