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Sanctions pressure on Russia must continue, Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa said on Monday, 18 August, at a meeting with US Congressman Andrew Harris, who is visiting Latvia this week. Congressman Harris also met with Deputy Speakers Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica and Antoņina Ņenaševa, Secretary of the Saeima Edvards Smiltēns, and Deputy Secretary Jānis Grasbergs.
US leadership is vital in addressing today’s geopolitical challenges and in upholding international security and stability, with Latvia a reliable ally in these efforts. The United States is an important strategic partner for Latvia, the Saeima representatives stressed. They also thanked Congressman Harris for the leadership of the US President, which made it possible for NATO allies to agree at the Hague Summit on increased defence spending. Latvia will commit five percent of its gross domestic product to defence as early as next year, the representatives of the Saeima confirmed.
Speaker Mieriņa underlined the importance of the Baltic Defence Line, noting that US support is essential since Latvia is guarding the external border of both the European Union and NATO. She expressed appreciation to the US Congress for its firm backing of the Baltic Security Initiative and highlighted its ongoing role in strengthening military capabilities. “This initiative has supported the development of Latvia’s defence capacity and reinforced NATO’s eastern flank,” she said.
On the regional security situation, Speaker Mieriņa emphasised that Russia’s goals remain unchanged – to subjugate Ukraine and divide its allies. “Russia has no interest in a meaningful peace process; it seeks to impose its demands without compromise. It continues to kill Ukrainian civilians and destroy civilian and energy infrastructure,” she said, adding that Latvia is still facing Russia’s most intense hybrid activities. The Saeima representatives reiterated Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The Presidium members also noted that European allies must assume a growing share of responsibility, while continued US support is crucial for the security of both Ukraine and Europe as a whole. Russia views the United States as a deterrent. Ukraine deserves – and Europe needs – a just and lasting peace. This is also critical for long-term transatlantic security. Achieving it requires close cooperation among all partners and like-minded allies, the Saeima representatives underlined.
The talks also covered economic cooperation, including projects linking the defence sectors of both countries and US investment in Latvia. Investment is needed in advanced technologies such as drone production to be able to confront the methods of 21st century warfare. Latvia sees strong potential for further cooperation, including in high-technology sectors such as energy, ICT, space and science, biotechnology, high value-added manufacturing, the defence industry, as well as infrastructure projects, tourism, and others.
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Saeima Press Service