Baltic states discuss regional security, defense issues

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia on Monday held an annual talk to discuss regional developments, security and defense issues.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda met his Estonian and Latvian counterparts, Alar Karis and Edgars Rinkevics, respectively, in the Estonian capital Tallinn, praising the ties between the Baltic states.

In a statement by the Lithuanian presidency, Nauseda said the unity of the Baltic States is tested by history and is therefore "irreplaceable in today’s environment of geopolitical tensions."

"Ensuring the viability of defense plans, strengthening Baltic air defense, and increasing the presence of allies in the region have to be priorities for Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in the coming year," he said, adding: "Sound deterrence is the best defense."

They also discussed support for Ukraine and infrastructure projects in the region.

The Lithuanian president noted that the disconnection of the Baltic States’ electricity grids from Russia will ensure energy security and "eliminate risks" to electricity supply.

The leaders had agreed in August to speed up their nations’ disconnection from Russia’s power grid and connect with the continental European energy network by February 2025.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, part of the Soviet Union until 1991, are now part of the EU and staunch allies of Ukraine, where Russia launched a “special military operation” in February 2022.