Lithuanian Prime Minister advocates for collaborative efforts between Nordic and Baltic countries to bolster relationships with the United States.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson met on Tuesday to discuss the importance of maintaining and strengthening transatlantic cooperation. Both leaders acknowledged the turbulent times they are facing, but expressed optimism about navigating them.

The security of the Baltic Sea region is a top priority for both leaders, with Paluckas believing that it is inseparable from maintaining a strong transatlantic bond. The US presence in the region is seen as a strong deterrent, and both leaders reaffirmed its importance.

Sweden and Lithuania have increased their military spending, indicating they do not take the US presence in the region for granted. Paluckas emphasized the need for diplomatic and political efforts to maintain the United States' support for the region.

During the meeting, the leaders noted that the presence of US forces in Europe is a strong deterrent to Russia. Paluckas expressed confidence that the United States will continue to support the Baltic Sea region, but suggested that caution should be exercised in the current geopolitical situation. He used the analogy of checking social network profiles each morning to illustrate the need for vigilance.

The leaders also discussed the possibility of joint initiatives to further enhance transatlantic cooperation. The Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) are considering initiatives focused on enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting green energy projects, increasing security collaboration, and fostering joint research and innovation efforts.

Paluckas stated that agreements between the United States and Europe are still valid, despite the current geopolitical situation. He suggested that the NB8 should seek joint initiatives to strengthen transatlantic cooperation, and expressed the belief that the countries will manage to keep the United States on their side supporting their region.

The discussions between the two leaders focused on maintaining and strengthening transatlantic cooperation, with both leaders expressing optimism about the future. Paluckas expressed confidence that the ties between Lithuania and the United States are very strong, despite any shattering of belief. The leaders agreed on the need to put in diplomatic and political efforts to maintain the United States' support for the region.