RIGA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Baltic and German foreign ministers during their annual meeting here on Tuesday voiced their commitment to deepening cooperation in the field of security and defense, a statement read after the meeting.
The ministers underlined the importance of NATO allies' decision to establish an enhanced forward presence in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Germany's offer to serve as the framework nation for the multinational presence in Lithuania would significantly contribute to the security of the region, the statement noted.
The participants of the meeting also underlined their shared stance on European affairs.
"The four countries are committed to a shared vision of Europe, based on solidarity and mutual assistance between the EU member states in support of a common security and defense policy," the statement said.
"The Baltic states and Germany remain of the firmest belief that the EU provides a historically unique and indispensable framework for shaping peaceful and mutually-beneficial relationships amongst its people and for contributing to peace and stability in the world," the statement said.
The ministers strongly reaffirmed the joint commitment of the Baltic states and Germany to the EU.
"Discontent with the functioning of the EU in parts of societies should indeed be taken very seriously and require determined actions and adequate responses to make the EU deliver better for all of its citizens," the ministers said in their joint statement.
Regarding the future relationship between the EU and Britain, "the Baltic states and Germany stand ready to assist the institutions in the negotiations once the British government has transmitted its decision to leave the EU in accordance with Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty," the statement said.
The ministers noted Britain remained an important European partner.
Foreign ministers Frank Walter Steinmeieer of Germany, Edgars Rinkevics of Latvia and Linas Linkevicius of Lithuania took part in the meeting while Estonia was represented by its special representative to the EU institutions, Matti Maasikas.
Foreign ministers of the Baltic states and Germany have been meeting annually in the 3+1 format since 1994.
