Speaker of the Seimas in Copenhagen: ‘More active cooperation leads to a stronger and more competitive Nordic-Baltic region’

Press release, 7 May 2024
 

At the meeting with Søren Gade, Speaker of the Folketing of the Kingdom of Denmark, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, stressed that Denmark had long been an important ally of Lithuania, with parliamentary cooperation actively developed at all levels, encompassing the bilateral, Baltic-Nordic regional and international formats.

‘In the context of the current challenges and uncertainties, it is clear that our partnership has never been as significant as it is today. We must make the most of our bilateral, regional and international relations, because stronger cooperation in economic, political, collective defence and security, and other areas will make the Nordic-Baltic region more competitive, more secure and more prosperous,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

According to the Speaker of the Seimas, the Nordic-Baltic format is a special platform enabling both countries to discuss issues of regional importance and come together for joint initiatives.

‘With Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO, regional cooperation has gained a clearer dimension of security policy and defence. The Kremlin continues with its hostile rhetoric towards the neighbouring countries. That is why we need to step up the coordination of our positions, develop a comprehensive deterrence strategy towards Russia, stand united, and support Ukraine in every way we can,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

When referring to bilateral relations, the Speaker of the Seimas highlighted the annual growth in Danish investment in Lithuania and the priority cooperation in high added value sectors, such as life sciences, information technologies, artificial intelligence, lasers and renewable energy.  

‘Lithuania’s defence sector is growing rapidly, and we are focusing on innovation development. Thus, we see great potential for cooperation in this area,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

Today, the Speaker of the Seimas is also set to meet with representatives of parliamentary committees and groups, visit the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy, and give an interview to the Danish media.

Tomorrow, the agenda of the Speaker of the Seimas includes a meeting with King Frederik X of Denmark, the Minister of Defence and the Minister for Nordic Cooperation, as well as other Danish public officials and representatives of industrialists. Later in the evening, she will meet with the Lithuanian community in Denmark.

Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson for Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 209 6030, mob. +370 698 42071, e-mail: [email protected], www.lrs.lt