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Future partnership of Lithuania and Latvia should be created by not only living in nostalgia for the Baltic unity, but also by firmly improving the close coordination of activities of both countries in the fields of energy security, infrastructure, transit and economic development,  by reviving the dialogue on culture, education and regional cooperation, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis says.

On 20 January he took part in the presentation of a study on prospects for the Lithuania-Latvia cooperation and the following discussion at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Minister, 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 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.

The study of Lithuanian and Latvian ambassadors Neris Germanas and Alberts Sarkanis on the prospects of the Lithuania-Latvia relations includes recommendations for strengthening bilateral cooperation, provides diverse and broad picture of the bilateral relations: historical and contemporary events are evaluated,  as well as opportunities for further cooperation in business, energy, transport, tourism, education, culture and other areas.

In spring Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to present a plan for implementing recommendations of the study.