Smiltens urges Hungary to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO as soon as possible

RIGA - Saeima Speaker Edvards Smiltens (United List) during a meeting with Hungary's outgoing Ambassador to Latvia Ferenc Gabor Banyai called on Hungary to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO as soon as possible. 

As LETA was told at the Saeima press office, Smiltens thanked the ambassador for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations. 

In the conversation, Smiltens noted that strengthening NATO is crucial and Sweden's  membership is essential for strengthening the security of the Baltic region. The ambassador said that Hungary, too, is interested in the alliance's expansion. 

Smiltens noted that this is a challenging time for the Baltic states as we share a common border with Russia. It is important that NATO members send a united and clear message: the moment one of its members is threatened, the others will stand up for the defense of democratic and independent borders, Smiltens stressed.

Smiltens and the Hungarian ambassador also discussed assistance to Ukrainians fleeing the war, as well as involvement in Ukraine's reconstruction.