The Baltic Question: Is the Region Secure in its Post Soviet Success... or is Russia Lying in Wait?
Speakers:
H.E. Rolandas Krisciunas, Ambassador of Lithuania to the U.S.
H.E. Eerik Marmei, Ambassador of Estonia to the U.S.
H.E. Andris Razans, Ambassador of Latvia to the U.S.
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2015
Location: Top of the Tower, 1717 Arch Street - 51 East, Philadelphia
Schedule:
5:30-6:15 Cocktail and hors d'oeuvre reception
6:15-7:15 Program
6:15 Welcome by Krista Bard, CCAP
6:20 Speaker Introductions by Linda Conlin, WTCGP
6:25 Remarks by Ambassadors (5 min. each)
6:40 Conversation - moderated by Craig Snyder, WAC
7:00 Audience Q&A
7:15 Adjournment
7:15-7:30 Additional Networking
Description:
After newfound independence, each of the Baltic nations has embraced democratic ideals, forged new ties with the world, adopted austerity programs and rebuilt now thriving economies. Through centuries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have wach maintained their own very distinct cultural heritage, yet many common interests and regional planning efforts naturally evolved between the Baltic nations, with their Nordic neighbors, other former Soviet republics, and the larger European community.
All sharing borders with Russia, the Baltic nations today must address a major and growing concern: that expressed by Britain's Defence Secretary when he warned that Russian president Vladimir Putin presents a "clear and present danger" to the Baltic region, possibly working to destabilize the area as it has in Crimea and Ukraine, and potentially attempting to sw division within NATO as the alliance struggles with the meaning of deterrence in the 21st century.
The Ambassadors of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to the United States will join us in Philadelphia to discuss the accommplishments and future of their region, its global role, and opportunities for expanding commercial ties with the Greater Philadelphia Region.