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“Canada is an important and trusted ally of Latvia, and its military presence is a significant contribution to strengthening the security of Latvia and the wider region,” said Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, on Wednesday, 29 July, during her meeting with Brian Szwarc, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to the Republic of Latvia. Ambassador Szwarc was on a farewell visit at the Saeima.
The Speaker of the Saeima praised Canada’s decision to extend its military presence in Latvia through 2031 and to increase the number of troops stationed in the country. Speaker Mieriņa also welcomed Canada’s commitment to participate in NATO’s Multinational Division North, assuming the role of the third framework nation alongside Denmark and Latvia. The Speaker of the Saeima highlighted the importance of transatlantic partnership as a source of resilience in times of crisis.
Speaker Mieriņa and Ambassador Szwarc also discussed Canada’s proposal to establish a Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. Latvia has joined the initiative and, in coordination with Canada, will establish a regional office of the bank.
“This will serve as another important mechanism for cooperation between Latvia and Canada, facilitating defence industry partnerships and enhancing supply chain resilience,” said Speaker Mieriņa, underscoring the need to attract new member countries to the initiative and promote the bank internationally.
The parties discussed the potential for further cooperation in the technology sector, particularly in the area of drones. Speaker Mieriņa also emphasised opportunities to export fertilisers from Canada through Latvia, encouraging the use of Latvia’s ports.
The Speaker of the Saeima thanked Ambassador Szwarc for his dedication during his term, which helped strengthen bilateral ties between Latvia and Canada, and highly valued the Ambassador’s personal role in promoting cooperation between the two countries.
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Saeima Press Service