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“The strong and friendly relations between Latvia and Canada are based on shared democratic values and close cooperation in the Euro‑Atlantic area. We highly appreciate Canada’s leading role in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia and the importance Canada attaches to the security and stability of the Baltic region,” Secretary of the Saeima Edvards Smiltēns emphasised during meetings with Canadian parliamentarians in Ottawa.

The Saeima delegation to Canada was led by E. Smiltēns and included Deputy Secretary of the Saeima Jānis Grasbergs, Chairperson of the group for promoting cooperation with the Parliament of Canada Irma Kalniņa, as well as Members of the Saeima Kaspars Briškens and Ramona Petraviča.

The Saeima delegation met with representatives of the Parliament of Canada and institutions to strengthen political, security and economic cooperation between the two countries. Members of the Saeima discussed current international challenges with the Chairs of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence, as well as the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Secretary of the Saeima noted that Latvia and Canada share a common understanding of security threats and challenges. Canada is a close, like‑minded ally within NATO, and it is therefore important to continue developing bilateral dialogue with partners in the Canadian Parliament while at the same time strengthening Latvia–Canada bilateral relations.

Canada’s allied presence in Latvia is far more than military support; it is the foundation for a long‑term partnership that extends well beyond the security sphere, the Secretary of the Saeima underlined. He pointed out that the task now is to translate this strategic closeness into tangible economic results, including new investments, technology transfer, joint defence industry projects and expanded trade. Latvia has a window of opportunity that must not be missed, he said, adding that security and the economy go hand in hand and that in both areas Canada is a partner with whom Latvia can work to make the country stronger.

The Saeima delegation also met with representatives of the Canadian Department of National Defence, members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Technology and Natural Resources, as well as members of the Canada–Latvia Parliamentary Friendship Group. Parliamentarians discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in the field of security and defence and to promote economic cooperation between the two countries, including attracting Canadian investment to Latvia.

Particular attention was paid to the need to ensure comprehensive and sustainable long‑term support for Ukraine. Parliamentarians also discussed the strengthening of sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting Russia’s so‑called “shadow fleet”, as well as other global security and political challenges.

During the visit, members of the Saeima met with representatives of the Latvian community in Ottawa and took part in a question‑and‑answer session. They also visited the Ottawa Latvian School and attended a church service at the Ottawa Latvian Peace Church, reaffirming the close ties with the Latvian diaspora in Canada.

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Saeima Press Service