President: Baltic Assembly will continue to fulfill role of the bridge between European and GUAM countries

On 10 February 2021, the delegation of the Baltic Assembly participated in the 13th Session of the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly.

President of the Baltic Assembly Andrius Kupčinskas addressed the members of the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly by highlighting the importance of both organisations working together. "We will continue to fulfill role of the bridge between European and GUAM countries as well as speak about GUAM countries with our partners in Nordic and Benelux countries. We are going to continue to express your concerns and aspirations to our partners in the EU institutions," noted President.

During the Session, parliamentarians discussed such topics as cooperation of the GUAM member states in the face of new global challenges, including countering the COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic impact, state and prospects of conflict resolution on the territory of the GUAM member states, new areas of cooperation and others.

Members of the Baltic Assembly and GUAM Parliamentary Assembly also discussed the implementation of the priorities of cooperation between both organisations. Vice President of the Baltic Assembly Jānis Vucāns said that the cooperation of both organisations is highly appreciated and valued. He also highlighted the importance of sharing experience and learning from each other. One of the possible cooperation areas highlighted by Vice President was automatic recognition of the higher education diplomas in Baltic and GUAM countries.

As a result of the Session, the Communiqué of the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly was adopted. Among other things it also states that the Parliamentary Assembly reiterated its intention to continue, within the international cooperation, developing and strengthening of trust and partnership relations with the Baltic Assembly. Also, the Communiqué highlighted the relevance of the agreed priorities for cooperation with the Baltic Assembly for 2020-2023 and called for their full implementation to jointly participate in regional projects and initiatives of the GUAM that have common goals and interests.