Baltic negotiations

Lithuanian Prime Minister Rolandas Paksas hosted his Latvian (outgoing) counterpart Vilis Kristopans and Estonian counterpart Mart Laar in the seaside resort of Palanga. They discussed various issues of Baltic co-operation, including the joint energy system, transport network, trade and defence issues. Estonia and Lithuania continue to be displeased over Latvia_s tariffs on pork, stating that it is a violation of the free trade agreement. During that set of meetings, the long-awaited treaty on the maritime border between Latvia and Lithuania was signed by the two prime ministers. The treaty has been long delayed and negotiations difficult due to an oil deposit at the border zone. This still requires parliamentary approval on both sides.