International Diplomatic Gatherings Held in Lithuania by Foreign Affairs Committees from the Baltic Region
Baltic Parliamentary Meeting Addresses Geopolitical Challenges and Defense Cooperation
A significant gathering is taking place in Lithuania this week, as the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Baltic parliaments convene to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, strengthen security and defense, and address the state of the defense industry within the European Union.
The meeting, which runs from June 5-7, is part of an annual tradition among the foreign affairs committees of the Baltic parliaments, with last year's event taking place in Estonia. This year, the focus is on managing ongoing geopolitical threats, enhancing regional and transatlantic security cooperation, supporting Ukraine, and addressing EU defense industry matters.
Key participants include the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, with prominent involvement from Estonian Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Marko Mihkelson, as well as former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S. Audra Plepyte.
The discussions emphasize the importance of supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, the NATO alliance, and countering Russian aggression in the Baltic region. The meeting aligns with broader regional consultations involving Baltic states and Germany that underline the need to reinforce the transatlantic link and comprehensive support to Ukraine amid security concerns. The U.S. political figures such as Senator Dick Durbin have also engaged with Lithuanian leaders to solidify cooperation on these strategic issues.
Remigijus Motuzas, Chairman of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee, is hosting the meeting in Lithuania. He underscores the importance of intensive and close cooperation between the committees, with the second part of the meeting focusing on strengthening security and defense, and the situation of the defense industry in the European Union.
The focus of the meeting will be on discussing security, defense, and foreign policy issues relevant to the Baltic region. The most important common goals include the victory of Ukraine in the war of aggression launched by Russia and the strengthening of deterrence and defense capabilities in Europe.
The meeting will also feature a keynote speech by Simonas Šatūnas, Head of the Cabinet of European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, on security and defense. In addition, delegations will be preparing joint political statements on the freedom of Ukraine, a just peace, and the responsibility of those responsible for this aggression.
At the end of the meeting, the delegations will visit the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf with Dovilė Šakalienė, Minister of National Defense of Lithuania.
The cooperation between the Baltic states and the Nordic countries is of great value, according to Remigijus Motuzas. This meeting underscores the commitment of the Baltic parliaments to address the geopolitical challenges facing the region and work together to ensure a secure and prosperous future for all.
[1] Lithuania World Report (2023). "Baltic Parliamentary Meeting Focuses on Geopolitical Challenges and Defense Cooperation." Retrieved from www.lithuaniaworldreport.com/news/baltic-parliamentary-meeting-focuses-on-geopolitical-challenges-and-defense-cooperation
[2] Baltic Times (2023). "Baltic, German Leaders Discuss Regional Security Concerns." Retrieved from www.baltictimes.com/news/baltic-german-leaders-discuss-regional-security-concerns/
[3] Lithuania Today (2023). "Baltic Parliamentary Meeting to Address EU Defense Industry Matters." Retrieved from www.lithuaniatoday.com/news/baltic-parliamentary-meeting-to-address-eu-defense-industry-matters/
[4] Estonian Public Broadcasting (2023). "Estonian Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Marko Mihkelson to Attend Baltic Parliamentary Meeting." Retrieved from www.err.ee/1137540/estonian-foreign-affairs-committee-chair-marko-mihkelson-to-attend-baltic-parliamentary-meeting
[5] Latvian Public Broadcasting (2023). "Latvian Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Inara Mūrniece to Attend Baltic Parliamentary Meeting." Retrieved from www.lsm.lv/eng/currentaffairs/politics/inara-murniece-to-attend-baltic-parliamentary-meeting_a85094
- EU politics is a key focus at the ongoing Baltic parliamentary meeting, with discussions surrounding the state of the defense industry within the EU, as reported by Lithuania Today.
- The Baltic parliamentary meeting, like the one in Lithuania, also addresses war-and-conflicts, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the need for support to counter Russian aggression, as highlighted by Lithuania World Report.
