“I am glad to finally welcome to Estonia the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Šimonytė, whose visit was delayed due to the coronavirus crisis. We are close friends and neighbours with Lithuania and our relations are very good both bilaterally as well as in joint arrangements between the three Baltic states,” said Kallas.
The prime ministers talked about defence policy and military cooperation, as well as the situation in Belarus and at the Lithuanian-Belarusian border. Prime Minister Kallas took interest in the migratory pressure from Belarus and confirmed that Estonia will aid Lithuania in dealing with it. “We are aware of how the migratory pressure in our region is being used as a political tool of influence. Estonia will aid Lithuania through European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex,“ said the prime minister.
Kallas added that all of the Baltic states have cancelled electricity trading with Belarus since last November and that it is important to also come to an agreement in solving the trade in electricity with third countries. “We must progress in accordance with the agreed schedule in synchronising our electricity grids with Central Europe to complete the project by 2025,” Kallas emphasised.
Relations with Russia were also discussed. “Russia is continuing to violate international agreements,” said Kallas. “It is important that the European Union Member States continue to send collective signals on this topic.”
The prime ministers also talked about Rail Baltic and the climate policy. Kallas highlighted that it is crucial to increase investment in commissioning green energy. The possibilities of using offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea region and developing joint cooperation were discussed.
Additionally, Kallas and Šimonytė talked about the importance of having available and usable EU Digital COVID Certificates in every EU Member State. “We must all prepare for autumn, vaccinate urgently, and ensure the free movement of people,” said Kallas.
Photos from the meeting: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmW8dTen