Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, together with the speakers of the parliaments of the other Baltic States and the Nordic countries (NB8) is currently visiting China, where, meeting with the highest Chinese officials, she stated: “China is an important cooperation partner for us, as this high level political visit attests”.

The NB8 parliamentarians met with Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Yang Jiechi, State Councillor of the People’s Republic of China, and Fu Ying, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress.  

In discussions with the Chinese partners, the Speaker of the Saeima emphasised that global challenges prompt all of us to work together in order to maintain international order based on the rule of law. “China’s global influence is growing, and we appreciate China’s willingness to take on a more active role in the international arena, also in relation to the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change”, Mūrniece said. 

“Economic cooperation is at the forefront of our mutual relations”, noted the Speaker of the Saeima, stressing that “China is the driver of global economic development. Our common interests are the compatibility of Chinese and European infrastructures, as well as trade and investments”. Speaker Mūrniece also remarked that parliamentary contacts are crucial as they promote cooperation in the areas of economy, culture and others.  

Noting the successful bilateral dialogue between Latvia and China, the Speaker of the Saeima also emphasised that our businesses are interested in access to the Chinese market for their goods and services. Transport and logistics, tourism and education are also among Latvia’s priorities in its cooperation with China. “We believe that China’s One Belt, One Road initiative will bring new opportunities for the compatibility of Chinese and European infrastructures”, Speaker Mūrniece said, also noting that Latvia’s active involvement in the 16+1 cooperation format with China adds to the overall EU-China dialogue.  

Security issues, especially the tension on the Korean peninsula, were also discussed during the meetings. The speakers of the parliaments of the NB8 countries highlighted the need for China and Europe to work together to maintain stability around the world and protect the international order.  

During the visit, the Speaker of the Saeima also visited the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to China, where, in order to discuss current work-related issues, she met with Ambassador Māris Selga and embassy staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, and the Latvian Investment and Development Agency. 

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Saeima Press Service