Pranckietis opening speech at 29 BSPC

29 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceOPENINGWelcome AddressH. E. Mr. Viktoras PranckietisSpeaker of the Seimas of the Republic of LithuaniaWelcome address by the Speaker of the SeimasI am happy to address you at the opening of the 29th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. Thisconference is exceptional as, for the first time, we are holding it in a remote format instead ofmeeting directly. However, although I cannot shake your hands in Vilnius, I believe that thisremote meeting will be no less constructive in terms of fruitful and meaningful debates.The COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous challenges to parliaments. The huge challenge facesalso inter-parliamentary cooperation that is extremely important. Nevertheless, it is particularlynow that it is essential to maintain the cooperation between parliaments and governments asintensive as possible. It is especially now that we need to ensure that the representatives electedby the people continue to work closely together in a spirit of confidence and give the necessaryimpetus for future action.This year, the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference will discuss safe and successful cooperationand development in the Baltic Sea Region with a view to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemicand its consequences. Preservation of the environment, seas and oceans for future generations,migration and integration, mutual exchange of information, search for common solutions basedon best practices are the issues that are common to us all. The debate on these issues leads us, firstand foremost, to a better mutual understanding, which enables us to build a safer, more stable andprosperous Baltic Sea Region.It is necessary to highlight the urgent need and expectation that all the Baltic Sea states continueto make every effort to ensure that the Baltic Sea Region remains a peaceful region characterisedby close neighbourhood and intensive cooperation. Today, a particularly high premium is placedon the foundations of our cooperation, namely democratic values, the rule of law, human rightsand equal opportunities for all. We must make every effort to ensure that the Baltic Sea Regioncontinues to be a peaceful region with close neighbourly ties and active cooperation. To this end,we must make full use of the opportunities offered by parliamentary, governmental and socialcooperation and democratic dialogue.The decisions taken at the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference relate to the expectations of bringingour region closer to a better future. I believe that this Conference will give the opportunity to getacquainted with new parliamentarians, ministers and experts from other countries. I believe thatwe all – parliaments, parliamentary organisations, the Council of the Baltic Sea States, and allgovernments and partners – will further develop a unique Baltic Sea Region by generating ideas,showing commitment, and offering cooperation and friendship.