Energy is a priority of the Baltic-Nordic cooperation, Lithuanian foreign minister says

Euro.lt

 

On 23 January at an informal meeting with ministers of the Baltic and Nordic countries that belong to the European Union in Brussels, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis stressed the importance of regional energy security.

Prior to the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, a working breakfast was organized at the initiative of Ažubalis, as this year Lithuania is coordinating the Nordic-Baltic cooperation (Nordic Baltic Eight, NB8).
 
Ažubalis pointed out that this year the NB8 cooperation would mark its 20th anniversary and stressed the importance of the forthcoming Nordic-Baltic summit in Vilnius due on 23 April.

 

When presenting Lithuania’s priorities, Ažubalis indicated the need to cooperate more closely in the spheres of security, defence, economy and the development of common information space, and highlighted the achievements of the Nordic and Baltic countries in strengthening energy security. The Minister called on the countries of the region to engage in the activities of the Energy Security Centre in Vilnius and to become its official supporters.

 

During the meeting, ministers also discussed developments in Myanmar, the situation in Syria and relations with Iran.

 

Ažubalis called for broader discussion on the EU sanctions policy, on how to apply sanctions and restrictive measures in a more coherent and more effective manner.

 

The Baltic and Nordic ministers discussed the relations between Serbia and Kosovo prior to the EU ministerial discussion on giving Serbia official EU candidate status, which is due in February.

 

24-01-2012