Banks, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Lithuania, Loan

Irena Degutiene.

"Fewer loans are granted due to the present bank policies and our economy cannot recover as fast as we would like it," Degutiene said.

The speaker of the Swedish Parliament noted that Sweden was very interested in strengthening economic cooperation with the Baltic States. Moreover, according to Westerberg, it is in the interest of Sweden that the neighbouring countries would be strong.

"I can assure you that Swedish banks are really thinking about their future in the Baltic States and aiming not only to preserve, but also to strengthen their positions in these countries," Westerberg said.

The speakers of the Lithuanian and Swedish parliaments also shared their thoughts on discussions among the Nordic countries on the idea of the Nordic defence union.

"The president of Lithuania has named closer cooperation between the Baltic States and the Nordic countries as one of Lithuania's key priorities in its foreign policy. Thus, Lithuania seeks closer relations with all Scandinavian countries. Lithuania would be very interested in the possibilities of joining a single security space of the Nordic countries," Degutiene said.

The Seimas speaker also thanked the head of Sweden's Parliament for coming to the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Restoration of Lithuania's Independence which is especially important to the people of Lithuania.

"Lithuania has not forgotten that Sweden has been one of the first countries to recognize independent Lithuania. I want to thank you on behalf of all the people of Lithuania for Sweden's well-rounded programme to support sovereignty, transition to the democratic market economy, integration into European and other international cooperation after Lithuania restored its independence and established diplomatic relations with Sweden," Degutiene said.

The head of the Parliament also emphasised that Sweden was one of the most active supporters of the strengthening of security in the Baltic States and noted that Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, former Sweden's prime minister, was especially helpful to Lithuania.