Latvia and Slovenia are close allies in strengthening European security - Mierina

RIGA - Latvia and Slovenia are close allies, especially in strengthening European security, both by supporting Ukraine and by strengthening the common security area in the long term, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina said at a meeting with Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar on Monday.

Latvia is grateful for Slovenia's military contribution to the presence of NATO in Latvia, emphasized Mierina, underlining the importance of defense industry and strengthening cooperation in this field, especially among defense industry companies. The Latvian parliament has adopted the Defense Industry Law, and Latvia is now looking for cooperation partners in this field, Mierina confirmed.

The Saeima speaker and the Slovenian president agreed that today currently the most pressing issue is the security in Europe. It is closely linked to Ukraine's ability to resist the aggressor and the support we provide. The support of allies must not be relaxed and we must demonstrate and provide all necessary assistance. Each of our decisions must contribute to Ukraine's victory.

Mierina emphasized the need to continue the pressure of sanctions against Russia and the European Union to start work on the next round of sanctions. Latvia wants to include a ban on Russian grain imports, as we see increasing imports of Russian grain and its potentially negative impact on the grain sector.

Although food imports are not currently prohibited, it is a bloody money used by Russia to strengthen its military potential and finance aggression, said Mierina.

Russian food import restrictions may seem exaggerated at first, but the Baltic countries always go a step ahead of other allies in support of Ukraine, emphasized Mierina. Initially, the abandonment of Russian energy sources also seemed impossible, but now we see that Europe can do without them.

The Slovenian president thanked Latvia for its support, helping to overcome the consequences of the devastating floods this past fall, stressing that Latvia was among the first to offer financial assistance to Slovenia.

Mierina welcomed the opening of the Embassy of Slovenia in Riga, which will open up more opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.