On Wednesday, 2 November, in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis, chaired the Baltic and Nordic countries (NB8) Heads of Government meeting.
During the meeting the parties discussed regional cooperation issues, with a particular focus on regional energy and transport infrastructure projects. Participants also addressed several external relations issues at the meeting - relations with Russia and the situation in the east of Ukraine, the implementation of the EU Eastern Partnership policy, as well as the current situation in Syria and the fight against terrorism. Current issues for Europe following the referendum in Britain were also discussed. Equal attention was devoted to strengthening the security of the region, which has been one of the priorities during Latvia’s presidency year of the NB8 format.
As Mr Kučinskis pointed out, there is no doubt that creation of free and functioning energy market is in direct correlation with both energy security and competitiveness and new investments in our region.
The importance of the project "Rail Baltica" was also stressed, stating that the "Rail Baltica" will significantly improve the mobility of citizens, promote economic prosperity and ensure successful integration of the Baltic States into the common European transport network.
During the meeting, it was concluded that NB8 heads of government share the understanding about security situation in the region, causes for threat increase and their prevention. Similarly, the participants agreed that the decisions to strengthen NATO presence in the Baltic countries and Poland, which were taken at the NATO Summit in Warsaw, should be implemented without hesitation.
It was concluded that in building relations with Russia, the EU must continue the "two-way policy" - restrictive measures or sanctions against the dialogue at diplomatic and expert level - this approach must be maintained until the completion of the Minsk agreement. There was a consensus regarding the importance of maintaining the Eastern Partnership policy high on the EU agenda and continuing support for our partners in implementing reforms.
"We - the Nordic and Baltic countries, need to increasingly be in dialogue and co-ordinate our positions towards the European Union, security policy - the issues that we share a common view. This is especially important after the referendum in the UK, "said Latvian Prime Minister.
This year Latvia is the presiding country of the Baltic States or B3 format, while the Nordic countries or N5 format presiding country is Finland.
Andrejs Vaivars
Prime Minister's Press Secretary
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv