Latvian MP calls for closer EU defence cooperation with UK

RIGA - Closer cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the UK, especially in the area of defence, is in everyone's interest, Saeima Vice Speaker Antonina Nenaseva (Progressives) said during a meeting with Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Chair of the Defence Committee of the UK Parliament's House of Commons.

Nenaseva stressed that the UK is the closest ally in the Drone Coalition. Latvia and the UK established the coalition together in 2024, and since then the coalition has sent around 5,000 combat drones to Ukraine.

As the two sides discussed ways to further expand the two countries' partnership, the Latvian MP noted that in order to strengthen European security, cooperation between the EU and the UK is also essential in the military industry.

As the British politician noted, Latvia understands that this is a time of solidarity and that it is necessary to take care of defense. "If we do not help Ukraine, the collective security of all of us will be in jeopardy," he said.

For her part, Nenaseva highlighted the impact of disinformation on society and thanked the UK for its contribution to countering disinformation. The two sides also discussed the the UK's Latvian diaspora and the possibilities to make the parliamentary dialogue more effective.

The chair of the UK Parliament's Defence Committee was in Latvia for the Drone Summit, which is taking place in Riga.