Baltic States – CIS, Energy, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Gas, Latvia

Laimdota Straujuma and Taavi Roivas. Riga, 25.04.2014. Photo: flickr.com

After a meeting with Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (Unity), Roivas told members of the press that the region cannot remain a separate energy island – the Baltics must be connected with the rest of Europe.

He said that the same can be said about electric energy – also in these areas the Baltics cannot be isolated from other EU counties. He emphasized that additional inter-connections will only facilitate energy independence and will be a benefit to residents. As an example, Roivas mentioned Estonia's good cooperation with Finland in this area.

Also during today's meeting the two prime ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine, Straujuma said. The Latvian prime minister said that Latvia and Estonia understand that the event in Ukraine could leave an impact on the economies of both countries, but that independence will always remain the main priority.

Meanwhile, the Estonian PM also admitted that he is happy with the arrival of U.S. troops to the Baltics, as this means that NATO supports its allies. ''Together we are strong,'' he said.

Also during today's meeting, the two sides discussed the possibility of Latvian students learning the Estonian language for free in Estonia, and vice versa.

As reported, Roivas is on an introductory visit to Latvia today.

Roivas will also meet with President Andris Berzins and Saeima Chairwoman Solvita Aboltina (Unity).

Roivas was appointed Estonia's prime minister after Andrus Ansip stepped down last month.