Mikser: strong and united Europe is the best guarantor of our shared values, peace and stability

Met dank overgenomen van Ests voorzitterschap Europese Unie 2e helft 2017 i, gepubliceerd op donderdag 12 januari 2017.

Today, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser met with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius in Vilnius where they discussed Estonia-Lithuania relations, security, the future of Europe and regional cooperation.

Foreign Minister Mikser said at the meeting that Estonia and Lithuania are great friends who share similar views on foreign policy and security issues. Mikser emphasised that strong regional cooperation is necessary for people’s sense of safety and welfare and added that as the Chairman of the Baltic Cooperation this year, Estonia will focus mainly on the security and defence of the Baltic states.

Talking about the upcoming EU i Presidency, Mikser said that in addition to digital topics and security, Estonian priorities include the development of an inclusive, open and innovative economy and society. „Strong and unified Europe that is able to develop is the guarantor of our shared values, peace and stability. Thereby the EU is also credible in the eyes of its citizens, able to solve crises and achieve its goals,” Mikser said.

Foreign Minister Mikser noted that Estonia and Lithuania have very similar views on the challenges facing Europe. “Security is our joint challenge both because of Russia’s aggressive behaviour and terrorist threat,” Mikser said.

Also, Foreign Ministers emphasised commitment to Rail Baltic and reaffirmed that building new connections with Europe is a key to regional energy security.

Foreign Minister Mikser is in Vilnius today and tomorrow and he will take part of a traditional informal meeting of international security experts in Trakai.

Additional information:

Sten Juur

Communication Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(+372) 637 7627

(+372) 5824 6622

www.vm.ee

press@mfa.ee