On 29 April 2020, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs participated in a videoconference with the other two Foreign Ministers of the Baltic States. The discussion focussed on the significance of regional cooperation in moving beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
The Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian Foreign Ministers were in agreement that it is necessary to seek solutions which are as harmonised as possible in the incremental lifting of restrictions related to control of the internal borders and in the renewal of the movement of travellers and passengers across those borders.
Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized the importance of actively and regularly exchanging information on the lifting of restrictions on the internal borders so that resolution of COVID-19 crisis is done in concordance.
Minister Rinkēvičs also expressed his appreciation for the good mutual cooperation of the Consular Services of the Baltic States in organising repatriation flights and ferries and in assuring opportunities for transit of travellers on the way back to their home countries. Taking into account that some travellers have not yet returned, the Ministers confirmed their readiness to continue closely cooperating on matters of repatriation.
Background Information
In 2020, Estonia coordinates cooperation amongst the Baltic States. In April 2020, in addition to virtual meetings of Foreign Ministers, videoconferences have also taken place between the Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Baltic States.