Baltic countries and Poland show leadership in support to Ukraine - Mierina

RIGA - The Baltic states and Poland are demonstrating leadership in support to Ukraine by taking initiatives and maintaining a firm stance against Russia, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers) said at a meeting with Polish Ambassador to Latvia Monika Michaliszyn.

During the meeting, Mierina stressed that Poland has always been one of the closest partners both in security and trade. The ambassador also underlined the close cooperation between the two countries, stressing that Latvia is a strategic partner of Poland and that the two countries are particularly close in the field of security.

The Saeima speaker stressed the need to continue to promote joint initiatives, including in the area of sanctions. "We will keep our finger on the pulse to ensure that sanctions are effective and efficient. The possibility of circumventing sanctions allows Russia to sponsor its own military capabilities," Mierina stressed.

On economic cooperation between Latvia and Poland, the parties discussed the development of the Rail Baltica and Via Baltica infrastructure projects. "Your experience would be very important in the further development of these projects," said the Saeima Speaker, inviting Polish entrepreneurs to take part in them. Mierina and Michaliszyn also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Latvia and Poland in culture and education.

Mierina also met with Greek Ambassador to Latvia, Efthymios Efthymiades, who was on a farewell visit. The Saeima speaker and the ambassador agreed to support Ukraine in principle in its fight against Russian aggression.

"We must not allow Russian aggression to prevail. We must not allow the disinformation, deception and all-round evil that Russia spreads to prevail," said Mierina. Highlighting Latvia's candidacy to the United Nations Security Council, the speaker added that our historical experience allows for a clearer understanding of the geopolitical situation.

The Saeima speaker thanked the ambassador for his personal contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Latvia and Greece and expressed confidence that we will continue to develop close contacts between the two countries, including at parliamentary level. 

The two parties also discussed opportunities for the development of tourism. As the ambassador pointed out, after the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism flows between the two countries have resumed, facilitated by direct flights between the two countries, bringing not only economic benefits but also closer contacts between the people of the two countries.