On Thursday, 10 October, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, during her working visit to the United States of America, went to Philadelphia – the 5th largest U.S. city - where she met with Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia, and Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development for the City of Philadelphia.

During her meeting with Nutter and Greenberger, Āboltiņa pointed out that Philadelphia is the home of the Philadelphia Society for Free Letts - the oldest Latvian society outside of Latvia established in 1892. The Speaker also referred to the U.S. as an important source of inspiration and the symbol of freedom for Latvian people.

Among other topics, the potential for a closer economic cooperation between Philadelphia and Latvia was discussed during the meeting. Latvian export to the U.S. has significantly increased in the first quarter of this year, and there is a potential for further growth, which would require promotion of contacts between Latvian and U.S. businesses, including those based in Philadelphia, said Āboltiņa. The Speaker also emphasised Latvia’s role in bridging the U.S. with the Nordic countries, Russia and CIS countries, taking into account its advantageous geographic location and well-established cooperation within the region.

The Speaker visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she contributed to the collection with a gift of graphic art pieces by Latvian artist Maija Kurševa.

Also, Āboltiņa gave an interview to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

From 7 to 11 October, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, is on a working visit to the United States of America. During the visit, Āboltiņa is meeting with John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Chris Murphy, Chairman of the Subcommittee on European Affairs. Several meetings are arranged to deepen insights into the U.S. business environment and the Latvian diaspora. At the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Speaker is also taking part in a discussion about Latvia’s role in the European Union and the future of Europe, and she is visiting the U.S. Congress, Victims of Communism Memorial and an American school. 





Saeima Press Service