A friendly conversation between Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius and his Estonian counterpart Andrus Ansip during the official meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister has basically focussed on the latest economic developments in the Baltic states, crisis resolution scenarios and particularly energy independence strategy.

Andrus Ansip has thanked the Prime Minister of Lithuania for his greetings to Estonia on the occasion of the introduction of the euro, noting however that the fact that all three Baltic states have similar economic policies and deal with similar challenges, is more important than the mere introduction of the euro. "Our countries, i.e. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, were in a similar situation, and their response to the emerging challenges was very similar too. As a matter of fact, there was no time for long preparations, so our countries acted upon it immediately. What helped us immensely was the spirit of cooperation, and many of our actions were coordinated in between us.”– said the Estonian Prime Minister.

Andrus Ansip has also expressed his interest in Lithuania`s plans for implementing the European Union`s third energy package on natural gas sector. The Lithuanian Government decided to unbundle the gas transmission and production as well as sales. According to the Estonian Prime Minister, the Baltic countries will continue to be isolated as long as there is a monopolist for gas transmission, distribution and supply. "The sooner we implement the requirements of the third EU energy package on natural gas sector, the better it will be to create a fully-fledged energy market. Priority should be given to a close cooperation in this field between the three neighbouring Baltic states, "- said the Estonian Prime Minister.

The leader of the Estonian government confirmed his country’s participation as regards the new Visaginas nuclear power plant. He was also interested in the momentum as regards Belarus’ plans to build a nuclear power plant in their country.

During the press conference, the Estonian Prime Minister gave an unexpected round of laudations to the Prime Minister of Lithuania. "Andrius Kubilius has been doing a perfect work. People find it difficult to tell between a good and a bad guy. The view is better form afar! Estonia knows that the decisions that Andrius Kubilius had to take regarding budget cuts and tax increases were tough but necessary. I do not think that Estonia’s decisions were any better. Only our situation was different. During the years 2002-2007, when growth was high, we have accrued our reserves. While you had to immediately apply very strict austerity measures leading to consolidation of public finances. Lithuania`s achievements are surprising and inspiring", – said Estonian Prime Minister.
Andrus Ansip has invited Andrius Kubilius to the Baltic Prime Ministers` informal meeting in Tartu on August 27, and handed in a cycling jersey in Estonian flag colours. The Estonian Prime Minister has added that he was grateful to Andrius Kubilius for the trip to Nida – which is a wonderful place. “I always tell the Estonians that they should visit your country and enjoy these natural treasures. We should encourage tourism between our two countries. On the other hand, I should not be so eager encouraging the Estonians to visit your country, as once they return, they start pressing me about the highways like the ones in Lithuania. It always seems that it is better elsewhere than home", said cheerfully Andrus Ansip.

Andrius Kubilius presented his counterpart with a personalized t-shirt of the Lithuanian basketball team.

Not before long the U.S. President B. Obama will receive a letter, which was finalized here in Vilnius, from the three Baltic Prime Ministers, expressing gratitude for the support and the fact that the US and the people have never officially recognized the Soviet occupation of the Baltic countries,.