Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, welcomed a delegation of U.S. Congressional advisors at the Saeima on Tuesday, 31 March.
“Continued cooperation and a robust support for strengthening the security of Latvia and the Baltic States is crucial for us—the decisions made by the U.S. Congress and administration directly impact the security landscape of our region. Therefore, we are ready to provide information on the regional developments in security, as well as on the contributions of Latvia in collective defence within NATO at all times. Latvia highly appreciates its close cooperation with the U.S.,” said Deputy Speaker Kalniņa-Lukaševica to the delegation of Congressional advisors.
During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and the U.S. Congressional advisors discussed economic, security, and defence cooperation between Latvia and the U.S. The discussion also focused on the importance of the presence of U.S. soldiers in the Baltic Sea region as an effective element in deterring Russia. Deputy Speaker Kalniņa-Lukaševica also thanked the delegation for the Baltic Security Initiative drafted and adopted by the U.S. Congress, ensuring financial and practical military support for the Baltic States.
The Deputy Speaker of the Saeima noted Latvia’s targeted approach to strengthening its defence capabilities, including the newly-adopted amendments to the Law on Financing National Defence, which provides for an increase of funding for national defence to reach at least 5% of Latvia’s GDP.
Kalniņa-Lukaševica also emphasised the construction of the Selonia Military Training Area, which will provide unique opportunities for cooperation, particularly in defence.
While discussing Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima underlined the importance of continued containment of Russia to limit any possibility of it funding the war.
The meeting was also attended by Jānis Grasbergs, Deputy Secretary of the Saeima and Deputy Chair of the Group for promoting cooperation with the Congress of the USA.
Congressional advisors have went on regular visits to the Baltic States since 2013. According to meeting attendees, visits by the representatives of the U.S. Congress are an essential tool to maintain direct contact between the law-makers of Latvia and the U.S.
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Saeima Press Service