Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis has met with Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki at the Kalvarija-Budzisko border crossing point, and has discussed cooperation between Lithuania and Poland in the context of COVID-19, border opening, bilateral relations, security, defence, and other matters.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Head of the Lithuanian Government has welcomed the fact that an important message could be conveyed to the citizens today: no obstacles remain to the free movement between the Baltic states and Poland. This is very important, as the key transport, energy and defence arteries connecting the Baltic region with European countries stretch in this region.
According to the Prime Minister, the responsible policies of both Governments have made it possible to manage the pandemic, but we must remain alert. The Baltic, Lithuanian and Polish Ministers of Health and Foreign Affairs will continue close coordination to avoid imported cases of COVID-19.
Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki has congratulated the Prime Minister of Lithuania and the Government having taken successful decisions to fight the pandemic, which has become an example for Europe.
‘The strategic partnership between Lithuania and Poland is a guarantee that the Baltic states will never remain an island separated from the European community. We are interested in our borders becoming a trade bridge between the countries; therefore, we are firmly committed to completing the reconstruction of Via Baltica on schedule. I welcome the joint projects of the Lithuanian and Polish railways. We are seeking the development of passenger transport by rail between Vilnius and Warsaw,’ said the Prime Minister of Lithuania.
Both countries are committed to implementing the Rail Baltica project by 2026, which is crucial to ensuring military mobility in Europe.
It has been noted that the Baltic states and Poland had submitted a joint EUR 1.2 billion application for the second phase of synchronization. Saulius Skvernelis has thanked the Prime Minister of Poland for supporting the construction of the Harmony Link connection, the synchronization project, and Poland’s principled attitude towards not buying electricity from the unsafe Astravyets NPP.
It has been emphasized that in the context of security and defence policy, the European Union funds for military mobility, hosting of US troops, and development of transatlantic relations are common priorities for Lithuania and Poland.
On the EU policy, it has been noted that Lithuania and Poland have common interests; therefore, the positions on the EU multiannual budget and the European Economic Recovery Plan are closely coordinated.
According to the Head of the Lithuanian Government, the post-pandemic period opens a historic opportunity to agree on a future-oriented direction for the European and Lithuanian economy. Our region is ready to strengthen the EU’s economic independence by bringing back production from Asian countries.
It has been emphasized that Lithuania supports the EU’s single market; however, the EU Mobility Package, the provisions of which clearly discriminate against our carriers, is of great concern.
The Prime Minister of Lithuania has expressed his hope that the pandemic has receded and that it would be possible to jointly mark the 610th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald and discuss the detailed cooperation plans this summer.