Finland: Prime Minister Marin and Lithuanian Prime Minister Šimonytė discuss COVID-19 and Nordic-Baltic cooperation

NordenBladet — In a telephone conversation on 8 January, Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė discussed bilateral relations between Finland and Lithuania, EU affairs and international issues.

Prime Minister Marin congratulated Šimonytė on her recent appointment as Prime Minister. The Prime Ministers have not yet met in person, but they talked via video connection.

The discussion highlighted the importance of EU cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when it comes to ensuring adequate vaccine procurement. The Prime Ministers exchanged views on the national implementation of EU recovery measures, the green transition in the agricultural, energy and transport sectors, education, and the digital transformation.

The Prime Ministers also exchanged views on opportunities for closer cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries. Finland will coordinate the regional Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) cooperation format in 2021. During its term as coordinator, Finland aims to focus on the digital transformation, innovation and climate policy.

The Prime Ministers also had a comprehensive discussion on relations with Russia and the situation in Belarus.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi