Latvian and British Prime Ministers meet in Reykjavik

On October 29, 2015, Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma on Thursday met with British Prime Minister Davis Cameron in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Both PMs discussed current affairs within the European Union, security policy, the EU’s future, plus bilateral relations.

Discussing the strengthening of security in Europe, Straujuma thanked the UK for its decision to send troops to the Baltic states. 

"Latvia supports the permanent and uninterrupted presence of NATO troops in the Baltic states and thanks to the UK for its contribution," said Straujuma.

She added Latvia is also strengthening its defence and interior sectors.

"We have earmarked 1.4 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) for defence in the 2016 budget, and we plan to reach 2 percent in 2018," she said.

Straujuma also thanked the UK for its support to Latvia during Latvia's Presidency of the EU Council.

Cameron noted that during Latvia's Presidency he had launched negotiations with his colleagues about the EU future.

Cameron informed Straujuma about the UK's visit in relation to the EU future and the wish to achieve an agreement with other EU member states by the end of 2015.

The Heads of both governments agreed that the four basic freedoms strengthened in the EU treaties are untouchable.