We cannot take the fruits of European and transatlantic cooperation for granted. For this reason, we must participate in multilateral debates on the future of Europe. It is our responsibility. The Saeima, along with other national parliaments, is willing to actively participate in the Conference on the Future of Europe. People expect tangible results from European cooperation, said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, in her speech at the annual foreign policy debate of the Saeima on Thursday, 28 January. 

The Speaker of the Saeima highlighted that for the European Union, 2020 was a year of complex negotiations. “We appreciate that, at the end of the German presidency, the multiannual financial framework was finally adopted and the new ambitious Recovery and Resilience Facility was established,” emphasised Mūrniece. 

Both our region and the world are facing increasing security challenges. The Speaker of the Saeima voiced her concern about increasing hybrid threats, disinformation, and cyber-attacks, and thanked our allies for their involvement in the NATO Battle Group in Latvia. 

It is in our national interest to take all the necessary steps to strengthen the North Atlantic alliance so that it is well prepared and ready to overcome the new security challenges present in the Euro-Atlantic area. Mūrniece highlighted the significance of the United States as an invaluable strategic partner and ally in the context of the security of the Baltic region. 

Unfortunately, the United Kingdom is no longer a Member of the European Union, but we are willing to develop mutual cooperation, as the United Kingdom is and will remain a strategic partner of Latvia and a likeminded country regarding foreign, security and defence policy issues, said the Speaker of the Saeima. 

Regarding the situation in the neighbouring countries, Mūrniece highlighted the need for continued support for the civic society of Belarus, and voiced her concern about the deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia. 

"I, too, join those who call for the immediate release of Aleksei Navalny and the peaceful demonstrators detained last Saturday in many Russian cities. We expect the European Union to impose strict sanctions on the Russian officials responsible for it,” said Mūrniece. 

The Speaker of the Saeima also extended her gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs, the ambassadors of Latvia, and the entire foreign service for the valuable work carried out by the diplomatic and consular service since Latvia regained its independence. As we celebrate the centenary of the international de iure recognition of Latvia, may we all be united as we work for the benefit of our beloved Latvia, said Mūrniece.

Saeima Press Service