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“We are united not only by geographical proximity but also by human ties, friendly relations, and shared values. Security is now central to our collaboration, enabling us to work together to ensure peace and stability for the people in our region,” stated the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa, during a meeting with the Speaker of the Norwegian Parliament, Masud Gharahkhani, in Oslo on Tuesday, 5 November.

“For many years, we have been partners in NATO, and one of our current tasks is to reinforce NATO’s eastern external border,” stated Speaker Mieriņa, emphasizing that this is a shared responsibility among allies. The Speaker of the Saeima also highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat the hybrid threats posed by Russia and Belarus, including the tensions arising from illegal migration at our borders.

Both parties agreed that, regardless of developments in Ukraine, Russia remains the greatest and most serious threat to Europe and NATO. Speaker Mieriņa stressed the need to accelerate cooperation between defence companies and to find practical, immediately actionable solutions to counter this threat, including in the area of airspace security.

In discussions on enhancing support for Ukraine, the Speaker of the Saeima emphasised that Latvia has committed to allocating 0.25 per cent of its gross domestic product to aid for Ukraine over the next three years. Mieriņa also highlighted Latvia’s initiative in establishing a drone coalition, underscoring the goal of producing as many drones as possible to help Ukraine defend itself.

In discussing economic cooperation, the Speaker of the Saeima noted that around 250 companies with Norwegian capital operate in Latvia, employing approximately 6,000 people. She affirmed Latvia’s openness to new investments and closer cooperation, particularly in sectors such as energy, information technology, transport, science, innovation, and tourism. Additionally, more than 15,000 Latvian nationals who have chosen Norway as their place of work and residence represent an important link between the two countries.

During her visit, D. Mieriņa also met with the Vice-President of the Norwegian Parliament, Svein Harberg, as well as with members of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committees. The Speaker of the Saeima additionally met with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of the Kingdom of Norway, along with the Norwegian Minister of Defence, Bjørn Arild Gram.

The Speaker of the Saeima is visiting Norway at the invitation of her Norwegian counterpart Masud Garahhani. Speaker Mieriņa is accompanied by Raimonds Bergmanis, Chair of the Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee of the Saeima, and Ainars Latkovskis, Chair of the National Security Committee of the Saeima.

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Saeima Press Service