The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania met in Tallinn on 18 February 1999 to review relations between the three countries and to discuss measures to intensify their co-operation. In particular they focused on NATO enlargement with a view to the Washington Summit and on Baltic defence co-operation, European Union enlargement, Baltic co-operation in the field of energy with the aim of integrating into the Nordic energy market and relations with neighbouring countries. The meeting commenced with a review of the decisions adopted at previous meetings of the three Baltic presidents.

The Presidents noted with satisfaction the progress in the Baltic trilateral co-operation achieved since their last meeting in Riga last year. The Presidents welcomed the initiatives of Governments taken with regard to the implementation of infrastructure projects and particularly the development of economic, trade and defence co-operation.

The Presidents expressed their satisfaction with the defence co-operation to date between their countries. They noted the success of the BALTBAT, BALTNET and BALTRON projects and the upcoming opening of a joint Baltic Defence College, BALTDEFCOL, in Tartu, Estonia. They expressed their conviction that the successful military co-operation between the three Baltic states and their active participation in NATO-led peace operations show their commitment to contribute to international security and stability and provide a solid basis for their countries’ NATO membership aspirations.

The Presidents agreed that the NATO Summit in Washington has to reaffirm continuation of the NATO enlargement and provide a signal that the next round of the enlargement will include their countries.

The Presidents also discussed European Union enlargement and reaffirmed their conviction that Latvia and Lithuania will be invited to start accession negotiations this year. They underlined their conviction that the EU enlargement process can and should proceed in parallel to the internal reforms taking place in the European Union. The Presidents welcomed the opening of visa-free entrance for the Baltic citizens to the Schengen countries as an important step promoting free movement of people and enhancing the Baltic integration into European Union.

In the context of the European Union the Presidents agreed that the Northern Dimension initiative presents a good basis for expanding co-operation in the Baltic Sea region as well as co-operation between the enlarging European Union and North-Western regions of Russia.

The Presidents also affirmed the development of the liberal and competitive Baltic energy market, efficiently exploiting existing potential of the region, is fundamental for the inclusion of the Baltic States into the Nordic energy market being of a great interest to their countries.

The Presidents also discussed bilateral relations with neighbouring countries. They reaffirmed their commitment to the promotion of confidence and mutual understanding in the region. They examined the development of relations with Russia and expressed the hope that outstanding border agreements will be signed, and/or ratified within the shortest delay.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, February 18, 1999

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