Lithuanian–Polish relations are the best they have been in a decade. Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said on Wednesday after meeting with Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki.
The two prime ministers' discussed "the contribution of both governments to strengthening bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership," the Lithuanian government's office said in a press release on Wednesday.
"The strategic partnership between Lithuania and Poland is the most important guarantee that the Baltic states will never remain an island separated from the European community of nations," Skvernelis was quoted in the Lithuanian government's office press release.
"We have to continue to strive for the implementation of all the decisions taken at the NATO summits, especially regarding defense plans, increasing and strengthening preparedness, and Baltic air defense," he said.
Skvernelis "noted that Poland and Lithuania ensured an important energy and transport connection between continental Europe and Northern Europe".
"He welcomed the fact that all projects of strategic importance – electricity, gas, as well as road and rail connections – were moving forward and should be implemented on time," according to the press release.
Read more: Poland and Lithuania to plan joint Suwalki Gap defence
Lithuania and Poland "will seek important decisions for the countries and the region on support for economic recovery and allocation of necessary funds for cohesion and agriculture" in talks on the EU's next long-term budget and economic recovery plan later this week.
The two prime ministers also expressed their regret that the European Parliament had passed the so-called Mobility Package, a major reform of the bloc's road transport sector, despite opposition from nine member countries, including Lithuania and Poland, according to the press release.
"Some of its provisions run counter to the principles of the EU’s internal market, it said, adding that Skvernelis and Morawiecki agreed "to jointly defend the interests of national carriers by legal means and, if necessary, to refer to the Court of Justice of the European Union".
On Wednesday, Skvernelis is attending the official celebration of the 610th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald in Poland. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda is also taking part in the event.
Poland’s recently re-elected president, Andrzej Duda, presented Skvernelis with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, the second most important state award of Poland, for his contribution to strengthening the dialogue between the two neighboring countries.
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