News

On the 20 January the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Latvian Embassy held a discussion on a report about Lithuanian-Latvian co-operation perspectives’ study. The research was presented by its authors, Neris Germanas, the Lithuanian ambassador to Latvia and Alberts Sarkanis, the Latvian ambassador to Lithuania. Initially, the research was turned to the reinforcement and consolidation of bilateral relations and economical, energetic, tourism, educational and cultural sectors. An open discussion was held after the report, involving Lithuanian and Latvian political officers and scientists, historicists, state authority’s and academic institutions’ representatives.

Historically Latvia and Lithuania have always been considered to be the closest nations in terms of ethnicity and language. Both of the countries shared similar outlook on statehood development, economic and social improving, and consolidation in the world community, while remembering the “Baltic Way” and entering the EU and NATO. As a result, the Study of Lithuanian-Latvian Co-operation Perspectives, based on the initiatives of Foreign Ministers Girts Valdis Kristovskis and Audronius Ažubalis, strives to reach unity and solidarity in cultural and information, educational and scientific fields and partnership in the area of economy, finance, transport, and environment protection.

Talking About Brotherhood Is Not Enough, More Action Needed

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, if we wish to maintain the relevance of exceptional Lithuania-Latvia historical and linguistic ties based on common values, as well as close unity of the states, more active efforts focused on the future are necessary. “Let us not be afraid to admit that sometimes we do not see, do not recognize and do not properly evaluate the things that are the closest. Talking about the brotherhood of Lithuania and Latvia  is not enough – it has to be proved every day. Moreover, we need not isolated projects, but a comprehensive, panoramic view and efforts, knowing that it will not be cheap, but it will pay off a hundredfold. The success of the initiatives mentioned in the study will depend on political will. But neither I personally, nor this government, nor, hopefully, the Latvian colleagues will lack it,” A. Ažubalis stated, the Ministry’s site reported.

The Minister stressed that without each other both countries will not achieve their strategic goals.  “If we consolidate energy security and achieve economic prosperity, it is only with the Latvians. If we defeat the threats of loss of national identity and historical memory, it is only with the Latvians. That is why as the referendum in Latvia on the state language approaches, we, Lithuanians, are sincerely concerned about possible threat to the Latvian language,” A. Ažubalis said.

What Is Strived to Achieve

“One of the basic aims of the present Report is to attempt to find answers and present specific ways how to make the 21st century the period when our two countries draw closer together” – state the authors. The Report offers more than 100 concrete initiatives, such like to ensure the development of the transport infrastructure in both countries, to save natural resources, strengthen co-operation of the police force and many more. It is still expected to form a new kind of co-operation between the parliaments and solve the problem of differently accredited laws towards this matter. The Minister of Foreign Affairs A. Ažubalis states, that the plan for implementing recommendations of the study will be presented later on March.

 The Future Perspectives

“The project finally reached the governmental level. Now we should be asking, when is it going to reach our consciousness?” – commented Alvydas Butkus, the author of “The Baltic Impressions” (Baltiškos Impresijos). He also emphasized that Lithuania does not have any other ethnical relationship as strong as with Latvia, end referred to bilateral relations as to brotherhood. Historicist and political scientist Česlovas Laurinavičius expressed the fear of “inertia of exclution”. He indicated that real help and support is needed more than just the abstraction of it. “We should start from finding our language identity” – he added.

 But while the Study of Co-operation for Lithuania and Latvia is still in a stage of development it is worth mentioning that working on the Study was not bounded by any restrictions or obligations. The authors have used their own knowledge and experience as well as thoughts and ideas expressed during the meetings with people from Latvia and Lithuania.

By Greta Armonaitytė