Korea is an important cooperation partner in Indo-Pacific region, both bilaterally and within EU and NATO - Latvian president

RIGA - On May 28, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics met with the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Woo Won-shik at the Riga Castle, LETA learned from the president's aide Martins Dregeris.

During the meeting, the parties discussed political and economic relations between the two countries, as well as cooperation in the field of security.

During the meeting, the president praised the positive dynamic in bilateral relations and the intensification of political dialogue, marking the forthcoming 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Korea next year.

"The Republic of Korea is an important cooperation partner in the Indo-Pacific region, both bilaterally and within the European Union and NATO. The visit of the Speaker of the National Assembly provides an excellent opportunity to deepen our bilateral dialogue. We highly value the progress made in preparing the Social Security Agreement between Latvia and the Republic of Korea, and the entry into force of the Agreement on a Working Holiday Program between our countries," said President Rinkevics.

On Wednesday, Saeima speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers) also met with the Korean official, LETA learned from the Saeima press service. Mierina said that we are living in a changing and intense times, therefore cooperation with like-minded partners, such as Latvia and South Korea, is especially important.

Both speakers agreed on a potential for closer cooperation in defense and support to Ukraine.

The speakers also discussed strengthening economic cooperation. Latvia is interested in developing closer contacts in biomedicine, science, timber processing, energy, as well as food sector. The Korean business representatives are interested in the Baltic region, and many are already developing their businesses here, seeing Latvia as the regional center, the Korean officials said.

Both parties are also interested in closer contacts in culture.

As reported, today, the Speaker of the National Assembly of South Korea, Woo Won-shik, will visit Latvia.

During his visit, the Speaker of the National Assembly will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the security and economic sectors. He is also on an official visit to Estonia and Lithuania.

Today, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Korea will meet with the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers), and later will attend a flower-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument.

Won-shik will also meet with Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).

During his visit to Latvia, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Korea will also visit Turaida and Rundale Palace.