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"The close cooperation between Latvia and Finland, as well as our shared experience and understanding of regional and geopolitical threats, significantly contribute to regional security and strengthen our joint capabilities to counter threats," said Ainars Latkovskis, Chair of the National Security Committee of the Saeima, welcoming Mats Löfström, Chair of the Intelligence Oversight Committee of the Parliament of the Republic of Finland, to the Saeima.

Comprehensive national defence is based not only on the armed forces, but also on the participation of the whole society, and in this respect Latvia can learn a lot from Finland's experience, where civil defence, societal resilience and readiness to defend one’s country are valued as highly as military capabilities, emphasized Ainars Latkovskis, pointing out that Latvia also adheres to the principles of comprehensive national defence – not only are we procuring weapons and developing military capabilities, but we are also strengthening the National Guard and civil defence.

During the meeting, the Member of the Finish Parliament confirmed that, following Latvia’s example, the Finnish government is currently drafting proposals for the country to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention and expressed his conviction that a debate on this issue will soon take place in parliament. The Nordic and Baltic countries must demonstrate a united and unwavering position in their relations with Russia, Mats Löfström said.

During the meeting, both parliamentarians reaffirmed their countries’ unwavering support for Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their determination to continue and deepen cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries on security and defence matters.

The Chair of the National Security Committee also received an invitation from his Finnish colleague to participate in the first joint meeting of the Nordic and Baltic parliamentary committees responsible for national security and intelligence oversight in the autumn of next year, thus strengthening regional interparliamentary cooperation on national security issues.

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Saeima Press Service