“Security and defence are the main priorities of the Baltic and Nordic countries. In order for us to deter Russia from aggression, we must continuously strengthen the defence capabilities of our countries, while maintaining close cooperation with NATO, the EU, within the Baltic and Nordic region,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, during the annual meeting of the Baltic and Nordic (NB8) Speakers in Reykjavik, on Thursday, 19 July.

“A strong network of honorary consulates provides critical support to Latvia. Your assistance is crucial when our people find themselves in crisis and emergency situations in your countries of residence”, said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Monday, 2 June, while welcoming Latvia’s honorary consuls currently in Latvia.

“We are grateful to Slovakia for its contribution to the security of Latvia and the Baltic region. We are extremely happy that Slovak troops will join the NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group in Latvia this July. Your participation in the NATO battle group reaffirms the Alliance’s unwavering commitment to the strengthening of security in our region,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima during the meeting with Andrej Danko, Speaker of the Slovak parliament (the National Council), on Tuesday, 12 June.

Upon welcoming the King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, to the Saeima on Monday, 11 June, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, expressed her appreciation for the friendly ties, active political dialogue and economic cooperation between Latvia and the Netherlands. She also underlined the symbolic timing of His Majesty’s visit, as it coincides with Latvia’s centenary celebrations.

“There is a considerable Latvian community in Ireland, actively contributing to Irish society and economy. At the same time, it is important for us to make sure our fellow compatriots preserve their bond with their homeland, their national identity and culture. Protection of Latvian citizens’ interests abroad is one of the priorities of the Parliament,” underlined Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, while meeting with Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Chairperson of the Lower House of the Parliament of Ireland, on Monday, 28 May.

On Thursday, 17 May, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, met in Kramatorsk with Pavlo Zhebrivskyi, Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. The Speaker of the Saeima promised her host Latvia’s continued steadfast support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Zhebrivskyi thanked Speaker Mūrniece and the accompanying Members of the Saeima for their visit, emphasising its significance. “We do not feel abandoned to fend for ourselves against the aggressor,” Zhebrivskyi said.  

On Wednesday, 16 May, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, met with Andriy Parubiy, Chair of the Ukrainian parliament. Speaker Mūrniece noted that “Latvia has always supported and will continue to support Ukraine both politically and practically. It is crucial to carry on the undertaken reforms in order to further the national development of Ukraine. Latvia will continue to share its reform experience with Ukraine, including in the areas of good governance, corruption prevention, education and agriculture.”

On Friday, 4 May, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, addressed the ceremonial sitting of the Saeima in honour of the 28th anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia. In her address, Spearker Mūrniece emphasised that: “Latvia is a part of us, and it genuinely needs us. Just as the members of the Supreme Council were when voting in favour of restoring the independence of Latvia, today we must also be great in what we think and what we do to be able to defend our Latvia.”

On Tuesday, 24 April, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, participated in the Conference of Speakers of the EU Parliaments in Tallinn. In a keynote speech delivered during the session on the security and defence of the EU, the Speaker emphasised that a close security cooperation between the European Union and NATO has never been as important as it is now, especially in the area of cybersecurity and hybrid-threats.