Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu met on 26 November with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius to discuss current foreign policy and security issues.
Urmas Reinsalu and Linas Linkevičius
Estonia and Lithuania are like-minded countries when it comes to important foreign policy issues and enjoy close cooperation. Reinsalu thanked Lithuania for its support and help during Estonia’s campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
“As an elected member, Estonia is ready for close cooperation with our neighbours to join our forces,” he said, adding that Estonia was interested in Lithuania’s experience as a non-permanent member in the Security Council in 2014 and 2015.
Reinsalu also praised excellent cooperation in Eastern Partnership policies, especially towards Ukraine.
According to the Foreign Minister, Baltic defence cooperation is at its strongest and broadest yet. “We recognise Lithuania for its continued work in raising the issue of Baltic air policing in NATO,” he said. There are also plans for an even closer cooperation in boosting defence capabilities, Reinsalu added.
According the Reinsalu, Lithuania is an important partner when it comes to implementing regional infrastructure projects, and Estonia is aiming for even closer bilateral communication with Lithuania, as well as increased digital cooperation.
“It is important to move forward with our joint priority projects, such as Rail Baltic and the synchronisation of the energy grids of the Baltic States with the frequency bands of mainland Europe,” Reinsalu noted. According to him, it is crucial to ensure that both projects receive sufficient co-financing during the next budget period, and that its activities remain on schedule and maintain political support.