LATVIAN DIPLOMAT WILL WORK AT THE EMBASSY OF LITHUANIA IN CHISINAU
The practical implementation of the Nordic-Baltic initiative on the placement of diplomats in missions of other Nordic or Baltic states in third countries has been started by Lithuania and Latvia. On 15 February, the Government of Lithuania welcomed the decision to share the premises of the Lithuanian Embassy in Moldova with the Latvian diplomatic mission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania informed on February 15.
The Latvian diplomat will settle in the premises of the Lithuanian Embassy in Moldova after the signing of a lease agreement. In turn, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to locate diplomats at the Latvian Embassy in Kazakhstan.
“I am glad that we are implementing the first joint imitative on sharing premises of diplomatic missions in cooperation with our closest partners. We are following the successful example set by the Nordic States. This not only demonstrates our deepening integration, but also allows us to save money,” Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis commented on the government’s decision.
The signing of the lease agreement prior to moving into the premises of the Lithuanian Embassy in Moldova is the first practical step taken in compliance with the memorandum of understanding that the Nordic and Baltic countries signed on 30 August 2011 on the posting of diplomats at each other’s missions abroad. The memorandum makes it easier for the Nordic and Baltic countries to maintain a diplomatic presence around the world by enabling flexible and cost-effective solutions.
Lithuania and Latvia dedicate special attention to the Nordic-Baltic cooperation. In 2010, a Wise Men’s report on Baltic and Nordic co-operation was drafted by former Latvian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Valdis Birkavs and former Danish Minister of Defence Søren Gade. The report presents guidelines for regional cooperation and provides recommendations on economic and political cohesion in the region.
This year, Lithuania is coordinating the Nordic-Baltic cooperation (Nordic Baltic Eight, NB8).
