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We share a common view on the security situation in Europe and appreciate Czech initiatives and contribution to strengthening our security, said the Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa on Wednesday 15 May, meeting with Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic.
Speaking about the geopolitical situation, where new challenges constantly emerge, the Speaker of the Saeima emphasised that Latvia and the Czech Republic understand the existential nature of Russia’s aggression. Speaker Mieriņa also emphasised the need for a clear, understandable strategy to strengthen the European military industry.
Mieriņa and the Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies discussed the controversial “foreign agents” law adopted yesterday by the Georgian Parliament. The Speaker of the Saeima regretted that the Georgian Parliament had not listened to its citizens and noted that it brought Georgia closer to Russia. Mieriņa pointed out that such a decision contradicts the desire to become a member of the European Union.
The Speaker of the Saeima and her Czech counterpart discussed the need to express their concerns to the Georgian Parliament by conveying the message in a joint letter from the speakers of the European countries. “We must make it clear that if Georgia chooses such a path, we will find it difficult to support it in the future on the path towards the European Union,” said Mieriņa.
The participants of the meeting discussed ways to expand and strengthen support to Ukraine. Speaker Mieriņa highlighted the Russian grain import ban in Latvia and the inclusion of manganese ore in the European Union’s list of sanctioned goods as examples of policy initiatives in support of Ukraine. It is no less important to prevent circumvention of sanctions, including by imposing similar sanctions on Belarus, through which goods for use in the war industry enter Russia, the Speaker of the Saeima said.
Latvia and the Czech Republic are closely linked by common Western values and historical experience in regaining lost freedom, noted Pekarová Adamová. The Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies thanked Latvia for its participation in the Czech-led artillery ammunition initiative to support Ukraine and Latvia’s leading role in the formation of the drone coalition.
Pekarová Adamová drew attention to Russia’s hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, especially on the eve of the European elections.
The meeting with the Speaker of Czech Chamber of Deputies was also attended by Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Edvards Smiltēns, Secretary of the Saeima, and the Head of the Group for promoting cooperation with the Czech Parliament, Chair of the Saeima Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Committee Jānis Vucāns.
During the visit, Pekarová Adamová will also meet with the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima Antoņina Nenaševa. In addition, the Speaker of the Saeima and Pekarová Adamová will visit Ādaži military base, where they will meet with the troops of the multinational battle group of NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Latvia from the Czech Republic.
Both Latvia and the Czech Republic are celebrating their 20th anniversary in the European Union this year. The Czech Republic joined NATO 25 years ago, while Latvia joined 20 years ago.
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Saeima Press Service