On 12 May, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, met in Copenhagen with Karsten Hønge, Vice‑Speaker of the Danish Parliament and Acting Chair of the Foreign Policy Committee, to discuss current issues in bilateral cooperation in security and the economy.
“Russia’s long-term threat to European security requires close, coordinated action by the Allies. Latvia and Denmark share a clear and mutual understanding of these challenges, and our cooperation forms an integral part of the wider security architecture, reinforcing NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities,” emphasised Zanda Kalniņa‑Lukaševica.
The Deputy Speaker expressed her appreciation for Denmark’s substantial contribution to Latvia’s security and to the security of NATO’s eastern flank, strengthening defence against Russia’s threats in the long term.
“Denmark’s leadership role in NATO’s Multinational Division North, as well as its contribution of military capabilities to the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, significantly enhances regional security. We highly value this commitment and look forward to once again hosting the Danish military contingent in Latvia this year,” the Deputy Speaker stated.
The officials also discussed current economic issues, in particular, cooperation in the field of innovation and quantum technologies. The Deputy Speaker of the Saeima highlighted the memorandum of cooperation signed between the University of Latvia and the University of Copenhagen in the quantum sector, as well as the opportunities opened by the memorandum of cooperation signed between Riga Technical University and Denmark’s Niels Bohr Institute.
“Latvia and Denmark have a strong basis for advancing joint research projects, especially in quantum technologies, promoting the exchange of students and academic staff, and ensuring the transfer of innovation to the economy. This cooperation creates tangible opportunities to develop future-oriented technologies and to enhance the competitiveness of both countries,” noted Zanda Kalniņa‑Lukaševica.
The officials of both countries agreed that close cooperation in strengthening security and developing innovation is essential for stability and growth in the Baltic and Nordic regions.
As part of her working visit to Denmark, Zanda Kalniņa‑Lukaševica is also scheduled to meet with Steffen Holme Helledie, Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament.
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Saeima Press Service