On Wednesday, 12 January, as part of her official visit to Lithuania, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, met with Dalia Gribauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania.

During this meeting, Solvita Āboltiņa expressed her belief that Latvia and Lithuania are not merely friendly neighbouring countries: “Our destinies have been intertwined for centuries, we are linked by kindred languages, and in modern times close and sincere relations have developed between our countries and their people.” 

Upon discussing cooperation among the parliaments of the Baltic States, as well as between the Baltic States and the Nordic countries, Speaker Āboltiņa said that the unity of the Baltic States is still relevant today. “Cooperation should be the closest regarding issues about which we have different opinions,” emphasised the Speaker.

President Grybauskaitė also congratulated Solvita Āboltiņa on assuming the office of the Speaker of the Saeima. In her response, Āboltiņa stressed that as the Speaker she will strive to draw the parliament closer to people, to explain to society at large the parliament’s decisions, and to develop cooperation with civil society on a brand new level. “Introduction of a new political culture is an important prerequisite for restoring society’s trust in the parliament,” emphasised the Speaker.

While discussing the increasing role of female leaders in politics, the President of Lithuania announced that in June 2011 Lithuania will host a Forum of Women World Leaders to which Speaker Āboltiņa was also invited.

During the meeting with Andrius Kubilius, Prime Minister of Lithuania, both parties affirmed their readiness to continue close and friendly relations at all levels, particularly focusing on strengthening the economy of both countries.

From 11 to 12 January, Speaker Solvita Āboltiņa is paying an official visit to Lithuania. In Vilnius, Solvita Āboltiņa is scheduled to meet with Lithuania’s top officials and to participate in events commemorating the Barricades of 1991. This is the Speaker’s first visit abroad. During her visit, the Speaker is accompanied by Andrejs Klementjevs, Deputy Speaker, as well as Jānis Reirs, Chairman of the Budget and Finance (Taxation) Committee and Head of the Latvian delegation to the Baltic Assembly. 

Saeima Press service