“The turbulent times are leading us to even closer cooperation – we discussed the restrainment of the Lukashenko regime, but also our response to the growing threats and offensive messages from Russia. In addition to the growth of hostile messages, we are also seeing more active military action by Russia towards Ukraine. We will not accept that an authoritarian state, through military means and threats of force, is trying to force Ukraine to change its decisions – we see a desire to divide Europe, by force or with threats, into spheres of influence. This is an unacceptable and morally wrong policy and this must also be made clear to Russia,” said Kaja Kallas after the meeting.
In the afternoon, Kaja Kallas headed out to the Lithuanian-Belarusian border near Medininkai in order to meet the Estonian police officers and border guards assisting Lithuania in dealing with the hybrid attack. The Prime Minister thanked the mission for their good work. “The task of the current ESTPOL5 team was to guard the accommodation centre on the border of Lithuania and Belarus and monitor the border using drones. “Today in Lithuania I heard many expressions of gratitude for the professional work of Estonian police officers and border guards. We have been helping Lithuania since the start of the crisis and this is a value in itself, allowing us to acquire experience in different stages of the crisis,” said the Prime Minister.
Kaja Kallas, Krišjānis Kariņš and Ingrida Šimonytė discussed transatlantic cooperation, further strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank and cooperation in the European Union. “Increasing energy prices force us to act fast. The Baltic States and the rest of Europe must make a joint effort to increase our security of supply and accelerate the introduction of new electrical capacities to the market,” Kallas stressed. She added that electricity price shocks must not become the new normal and it is understandable that people and companies expect their governments to provide a sense of security. “I consider it important that the European Council discuss the increase in energy prices in Brussels next week. I will also raise the topic there.”
The prime ministers of the three countries also exchanged information on combating the coronavirus and vaccination.
In the evening, Kaja Kallas will meet the members of Estonian-Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce.
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXe2G2C
Full statement by Kaja Kallas in English: https://www.valitsus.ee/en/news/statement-kaja-kallas-meeting-baltic-prime-ministers-vilnius-8-december-2021
