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On Saturday, 27 June, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, opened the 76th EU-US interparliamentary meeting by thanking the U.S. for supporting Latvia’s security. “We highly appreciate the leading role the U.S. have taken in reinforcing the NATO Air Policing Mission over the Baltic States, organising military training and organising high-level visits to our region,” said Speaker Mūrniece to the members of the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament. 
With regard to developments in Ukraine, the Speaker of the Saeima expressed concerns about implementation of the Minsk agreements. “Violent confrontations continue, and people are dying every day. Consequently, the EU extended sanctions against Russia till January. We should make sure that further restrictive measures are imposed if Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine. Our strong and unified action is a key in the quest for the most effective means to deal with the situation,” noted Ināra Mūrniece.

Kremlin’s war in Ukraine has transformed Russia from our strategic partner into a strategic problem, thus increasing the role of EU-U.S. cooperation. We have to jointly ensure our economic growth, as well as global security and stability, indicated the Speaker.

Global challenges posed by terrorism also have to be addressed jointly, acknowledged Ināra Mūrniece. “Terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait remind us that no state can underrate the challenges posed by terrorists. During its EU Presidency, Latvia did its utmost to expand EU-U.S. cooperation in the fight against terrorism,” noted Speaker Mūrniece and mentioned the Passenger Name Record as one of the tools that will facilitate identification of terrorist routes. 

Economic growth is based on stability and security, but meaningful measures also have to be taken in the areas of economy and trade, emphasised the Speaker of the Saeima. “Therefore, one of the key items on the EU-U.S. agenda is the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. We believe that it will facilitate growth and creation of new jobs on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Ināra Mūrniece and indicated that it would be essential to supplement TTIP with an energy chapter that would facilitate diversification and security of Europe’s energy supply.

On 27 – 28 June, the Saeima hosts the 76th EU-US interparliamentary meeting attended by 30 members of the European Parliament and the U.S. Congress. Interparliamentary relations between the European Parliament and the U.S. Congress were established in 1972, and representatives of both sides meet twice a year both in Europe and the U.S. Meetings which are held in Europe are usually hosted by the country presiding over the Council of the European Union. 

Saeima Press Service