The President of Latvia pointed out that the accomplishment while implementing the reforms enabling to strengthen competitiveness would create new jobs and revive economic growth. “We agreed that we all need a safe, strong, and united Europe,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.
The European security policy is simultaneously significant, where NATO is impossible to replace. The President of Latvia indicated that working on the implementation of the decisions made at the NATO Summit in Warsaw and shaping the dialogue with Russia aimed at the promotion of transparency and predictability was substantial.
The Presidents agreed that there was a need to promote a more intense coordination between the EU and NATO on issues of hybrid threats, cyber security, strategic communications, and support for the Eastern partners. Raimonds Vējonis stated that strengthening resilience against hybrid threats at the national level and developing an approach to combat it at the level of the EU and NATO were of great importance as well.
The head of state thanked Germany for the significant support in strengthening the security of the Baltic region as Germany had begun deployment of the troops in Lithuania for the provision of the NATO battle groups in late January.
During the meeting, the Presidents also discussed relations with the new US administration in agreement that the transatlantic link was still the cornerstone of security and defence of Europe. “We all are interested in the USA maintaining political, economic, and military engagement in Europe and continuing to lead us in overcoming the global challenges,” said Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia expressed satisfaction with the unified and coordinated approach of the Baltic States to promote both the security in the region and building up the energy and transport infrastructure of strategic significance. Raimonds Vējonis emphasised that the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Rail Baltica Railway Connection recently signed by the three Prime Ministers was a pledge to that.
He said that this meeting was marked by the participation of Federal President of Germany Joachim Gauck, who began his presidency with the state visit from Germany to the Baltic States. “Germany is one of the largest co-operation partners in the economy of the Baltic States. We express our gratitude for the support Germany granted in strengthening media, strategic communications, and civic societies as well as in education and youth in the Baltic States,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.