On Tuesday, 19 May, Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, met at the Saeima with Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, who is on his official visit to Latvia.

“Latvia and Finland share excellent bilateral relations and common interests both in the Baltic Sea region and across Europe in general, including strengthening the EU’s eastern border in the context of the multiannual financial framework negotiations. Our cooperation has grown even closer since Finland’s accession to NATO,” said Speaker Mieriņa, underscoring the shared views of both countries on security issues.

During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the strong ties between Latvia and Finland and their shared understanding of regional security challenges. Both officials discussed cooperation within NATO and the European Union, security in the Baltic Sea region, as well as the recent drone-related challenges faced by the Baltic States and Finland.

The Speaker of the Saeima emphasised the need to accelerate decision-making on boosting defence capabilities, given the long-term threats caused by Russia. The discussion also focused on the need to review trade relations with Russia and Belarus, including phasing out transit cargo.

Speaker Halla-aho expressed his appreciation for the close cooperation between the two parliaments in security and European policy. He underlined that Finland is now increasingly aware of the importance of the Baltic States in strengthening joint security. The Speaker of the Finnish Parliament welcomed Latvia’s position on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and Latvia’s significant contribution to strengthening defence, which is crucial in a broader regional context.

Both officials also discussed cooperation in the defence industry, including joint projects, such as the production of “Patria” armed vehicles and “Rollo” artillery charge, as well as involvement in the Drone Coalition. Speaker Mieriņa encouraged strengthening cooperation in innovative technologies, drawing on Latvia’s expertise in this field.

The meeting was also attended by Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima; Jānis Grasbergs, Deputy Secretary of the Saeima; and Ināra Mūrniece, Chair of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee.

During his visit to Latvia, Speaker Halla-aho will also meet with Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Latvia; Evika Siliņa, Prime Minister; and Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Speaker of the Finnish Parliament will also visit the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, meet with the students of Finno-Ugric Studies at the University of Latvia, and visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/albums/72177720333726805/
Disclaimer & copyright: https://www.saeima.lv/en/copyright

Saeima Press Service