- Seeking to achieve the strategic goal of the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Lithuania - promotion of security, stability and welfare of each country and becoming full members of the European and trans-Atlantic political, economic and security structures,

- acknowledging that close cooperation of the Baltic states is an important factor for their successful integration into European and trans-Atlantic structures, which would significantly contribute to the security, stability and development of the region and Europe on the whole,

We hereby declare:

1. The success of cooperation of the Baltic states have brought them closer to their common strategic goals. We will continue our efforts to work together aiming to ensure prosperity and stability of our countries, stressing the importance of following current tasks.

We will further develop cooperation in the field of internal security and information.

We will develop a common economic space. Particular attention should be given to the implementation of Free Trade Agreement, creation of a common transit procedure, joint customs and border control on the internal borders of the Baltic states.

We will continue to be actively involved in common projects such as "Via Baltica" project.

2. We welcome the regional and bilateral initiatives, designed to bring security and stability to Europe and being in support of our European and trans - Atlantic integration.

3. We are convinced that accession negotiations with the Baltic States should start not later than six month after the conclusion of the EU Intergovernmental Conference.

By implementing reforms, the Baltic states have demonstrated their readiness to share common European values and responsibilities. Simultaneous start of the accession negotiations with all the candidate countries would ensure the stability and continuity of the reform process in Europe.

The Baltic states as associated countries of the EU will enhance closer partnership within accession strategy.

We express our strong wish that the Europe Agreements between the EU and the Baltic states are ratified and come into force as soon as possible.

4. we are convinced, that the lasting security and stability in Europe should be ensured by integration of the Baltic states into NATO. Our three countries will continue concerted efforts in order to strengthen preparation for membership and to join the Atlantic Alliance at the earliest stage. Obscure perspective of the Baltic states in the process of Atlantic integration could destabilise the Baltic security environment.

The Baltic states will continue their successful cooperation in the field of security and defence, including further development of BALTBAT, coordination of the PfP activities, and development of a joint Baltic Regional Air-surveillance system.


Guntis Ulmanis, President Republic of Latvia
Lennart Meri, President Republic of Estonia
Algirdas Brazauskas, President Republic of Lithuania

Riga, November 26, 1996

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