“Latvia consistently advocates for the safe and unconditional return of the deported Ukrainian children. It is barbaric to force Ukrainian children to fight against their own people. It is essential to strengthen international resolve, increase pressure on Russia, and coordinate joint efforts so that every Ukrainian child can return home and be reunited with their family,” emphasised Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, on Thursday, 27 August, at the annual meeting of parliament speakers of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) in Reykjavík, Iceland. The return home of the abducted Ukrainian children is the main theme of this year’s meeting of the NB8 parliament speakers.
“The Nordic and Baltic countries are united in their support for Ukraine and in their clear understanding of the threats posed by Russia’s aggression. At present, it is particularly important to strengthen regional security and provide unwavering support to Ukraine,” said Mieriņa.
In recognition of Latvia’s consistent support for Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, presented Speaker Mieriņa with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Badge of Honour “For Our Freedom and Yours”.
Addressing the security situation in the region, the Speaker of the Saeima underlined the need to bolster resilience against hybrid threats, including cyberattacks. In addition, Mieriņa stressed that it is time to stop issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens.
At the meeting in Iceland, the speakers of the NB8 parliaments will also discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on democratic processes, among other current issues.
On Friday, 28 August, Speaker Mieriņa is set to meet in Reykjavík with Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir, Speaker of the Althingi, to discuss parliamentary cooperation, economic relations, and the potential for cooperation in innovation between the two countries. Iceland was the first country to recognise the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia on 22 August 1991.
The Baltic and Nordic countries are bound by close cooperation in the NB8 format, which brings together five Nordic countries – Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden – and three Baltic countries – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. The NB8 framework provides for regular meetings of prime ministers, parliamentarians, ministers and other officials. It also includes traditional visits to countries outside the region to highlight issues of democracy, peace and the rule of law, as well as to exchange best practices in the reform process.
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Saeima Press Service