“Our geographical location, shared history, and similar security and infrastructure challenges are a natural starting point for our close cooperation,” stressed Minister Rau. The talks focused on regional cooperation in security policy, the Eastern neighbourhood, as well as transport and energy infrastructure. The ministers presented a common position on the need to continue efforts to provide assistance to Ukraine, including as regards political, military, financial, and humanitarian aid. Another topic discussed during the meeting concerned the EU’s ongoing work on the 10th round of sanctions. The diplomats agreed that it is necessary to prosecute Russian crimes in Ukraine and, in cooperation with international institutions, to bring to justice the individuals responsible for committing these crimes.

Poland’s regional policy and cooperation with Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn also focuses on joint infrastructural projects, such as the Via Carpathia and Via Baltica road links, the Rail Baltica railway link, and the project to synchronise the electricity grid of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with the Continental European Network. What is more, Poland is committed to strengthening the regional security, which is evidenced by our participation in the Baltic Air Policing mission and the presence of the Polish Military Contingent in Latvia.

The talks between top diplomats of Poland and the Baltic states concluded by signing a joint declaration on enhancing cooperation between Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia at the level of ministers of foreign affairs.

 

Łukasz Jasina

MFA Spokesperson

 

Photo: Marek Sadowski / MFA