Smiltēns: History always brings the Baltic states and Poland together

Speaker of the Saeima, Speaker of the Estonian Parliament Jiri Ratas, Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament Viktorija Chmilīte-Nilsen and Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Elżbeta Vitek adopted a joint statement in Warsaw, outlining future cooperation perspectives. Support for Ukraine, strengthening of common defense and energy security issues were discussed during the meeting.

Smiltén emphasized that there are many issues on which the four countries have a consensus. “We are confident that the crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine should not go unpunished, we will work together to convince other countries to organize an international tribunal to investigate these crimes,” said Smilten.

“Our countries clearly see Ukraine’s future in the European Union and NATO. The Ukrainian army is currently one of the strongest in Europe, hardened in battles against a bloody aggressor. Ukraine’s participation in the alliance will strengthen the security of the Baltics and strengthen the entire NATO. We will jointly address our colleagues in Europe and on the other side of the ocean, so that this understanding unites as many allies as possible, emphasized E. Smiltēns. It is also important for our security to achieve the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO as soon as possible. Speaking with one voice, we are heard better in the world,” said the Speaker of the Saeima.

The energy security of the region is also very important, and the establishment of an electricity connection between Poland and Lithuania as soon as possible is urgent, which would allow Latvia to gain independence from the BREL network, which connects Russia, Belarus and the Baltic states, emphasized the Speaker of the Saeima.