Lithuanian president in Latvia: We must seek defence strengthening together

During their meeting in Riga, Grybauskaitė and Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis discussed preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Warsaw.

“As the geopolitical situation continues to change rapidly, we must seek defence strengthening together. Therefore, we will evaluate in Warsaw which Wales agreements have been implemented and where better results are needed,” the Lithuanian president was quoted as saying in a statement issued by her press service.

According to Grybauskaitė, Lithuania and Latvia successfully cooperate in the area of defence, favour NATO allies’ greater presence in the region and are developing their joint military capabilities.

Both countries are making great contribution to countering hostile anti-Western propaganda as Lithuanian specialists will also work at the new NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence in Riga, the Lithuanian president said.

In her belief, NATO must continue to properly respond to the geopolitical situation and have a long-term strategy of dealing with arising challenges. It is also important to step up the response time, develop infrastructure and strengthen mutual cooperation, she added.

The Lithuanian and Latvian presidents also discussed joint energy projects, progress of their implementation as well as cooperation in the area of border protection. The EU refugee problem as well as the Greek and Ukrainian issues were also discussed during the meeting.