The meeting of the Baltic states’ heads of diplomacy was an opportunity to discuss cooperation development and mutual coordination of the Covid-19 crisis response. “The current situation confirms the need for maintaining close security relationship. The pandemic resulted in additional challenges in this field, while traditional ones remain up-to-date and require  continued pursuit of joint actions,” said the Polish top diplomat. At this point, he highlighted Poland’s commitment to the security of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, and assured of its long-term character.

The ministers agreed that the cooperation within NATO needs further reinforcing, and transatlantic bonds should be strengthened. They underscored the need to combat propaganda and disinformation, also concerning Covid-19. Besides, on the agenda were European issues, including Multiannual Financial Framework, the recovery fund, Brexit, and the forthcoming German presidency of the EU Council. The diplomats agreed that mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic effects demands close partnership and coordinated efforts within the EU.

The discussion also focused on the developments in the EU’s eastern neighbourhood. The ministers underlined the significance of the Eastern Partnership for stabilisation and development of the participating countries, and also for reinforcing  security in Eastern Europe.

Furthermore, Minister Czaputowicz held a bilateral meeting with his Lithuanian counterpart, Linas Linkevičius, during which they reviewed the relations between the two countries. “We are glad to see our cooperation with Lithuania intensifying at the bilateral, regional and international level. It creates bright prospects for further bolstering our neighbourly relationship. We would like the situation of the Polish minority in Lithuania to steadily improve,” said the chief of Polish diplomacy. The ministers welcomed the intensive economic dialogue and implementation of strategic infrastructural projects, particularly those related to energy (GIPL – synchronisation of the Baltic states’ electricity grid with the continental European network) and transport (Via Carpatia and Via Baltica expressways, as well as Rail Baltica railway).

The ministers also participated in informal talks in a video conference format that brought together EU foreign ministers and the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The topics of the meeting included the impact of the Covid-19 on international relations, the state of relations with China, the Middle East peace process, and the EU’s eastern neighbourhood. The discussion focused on the need to maintain transatlantic partnership in all strategic areas, including the key regions of the Middle and Far East.

The conference participants agreed that some countries seek to use the ongoing crisis to undermine the current world order, an attempt which the EU and U.S. should jointly oppose. Brussels and Washington stressed that countering disinformation was their shared goal. The politicians also underlined the special importance of transatlantic cooperation in the EU’s eastern neighbourhood. It is of utmost significance for the successful implementation of reforms in Ukraine, but also for reinforcing stability of other Eastern Partnership countries. The diplomats agreed that maintaining the EU - U.S. unity in relation to Russia’s hostile actions remains a priority in this context.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Sebastian Indra / MFA 
Video: Gabriel Piętka / MFA