Riga, 26 February 2016 – Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas met with his Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues in Riga in order to harmonise positions on the topic of the presence of the allies for the NATO Summit in Warsaw. They also discussed joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the joining of electricity and gas markets as well as the Rail Baltic project.
“Our efforts must be targeted at the preparations of the NATO Summit in Warsaw in order to ensure the continued presence of our allies that would be planned for the long term,” Prime Minister Rõivas said. “The coordination of positions between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania is of great importance prior to the Warsaw Summit. Unity among the Baltic countries strengthens the alliance.”
According to the Prime Minister, Europe together with the Baltic countries must be united and decisive while confronting challenges.
“Estonia is better protected than ever before, however, we have to work for it every day – this applies both to our immediate neighbours and to partners and allies in the European Union and NATO,” Rõivas said.
Railway project Rail Baltic and energy connections constitute a clear priority for the three Baltic countries.
“Excellent connections with Europe strengthen the security and well-being of our region,” Rõivas said. With regard to the Rail Baltic railway project that will connect the three Baltic countries with Western Europe, Estonia is interested in concluding the transnational agreement as soon as possible, since it establishes important details of the railway connection and supports the implementation of the project in a better way.
Prime Minister Rõivas will return to Estonia this evening.
Photos from Riga: https://valitsus.ee/et/galeriid/balti-ministrite-noukogu-kohtumine-riias...