On Monday 8 May, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis met Prime Minister of Estonia, Jüri Ratas, Prime Minister of Lithuania, Saulius Skvernelis, as well as Prime Minister of Poland, Beata Szydło in Tallinn.
During the meeting, the officials discussed the topical issues relating to cooperation on security matters, as well as current developments in the fields of transport and energy.
As regards security, M. Kučinskis pointed out that Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland are fulfilling the commitments made at the NATO summit in Warsaw. He reaffirmed that Latvia will proceed with the necessary investment in security.
"It is obvious that the four countries have the same objectives in the field of security, and we have to continue our cooperation. The strategic communication is of particular importance in fight against Russia's pervasive propaganda," said M. Kučinskis.
Much attention was devoted to energy security and cooperation between the countries in this field. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of further synchronization of energy between the Baltic States and the rest of Europe. The other parties were unanimous regarding the need to ensure stable energy supply while disconnecting from Russia's energy supply systems.
M.Kučinskis pointed out the importance of establishing a unified Baltic gas network with a focus on the infrastructure projects for the gas pipeline interconnection between Lithuania and Poland (Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania (GIPL)) and the interconnection project between Estonia and Finland - "Balticconnector".
The realization of the "Rail Baltica" project in the Baltic States and Poland was also discussed. M. Kučinskis pointed out that the project has both a security dimension and economic justification, and welcomed Poland's interest in being involved in this project. "We are aware that the "Rail Baltica" project is currently one of the most promising EU projects," noted the Prime Minister.
All parties agreed on the need to work in order to attract the greatest possible EU funding to the "Rail Baltica" project.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Mob.: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv