Saeima delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly emphasizes need for creation of drone wall

RIGA - Saeima delegates to NATO Parliamentary Assembly have stressed the need for a drone wall and increased funding for defense, Saeima Press Service informed LETA.

The Latvian delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly took part in the assembly's fall session in Ljubljana, Slovenia on October 10-13. At the meeting, NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted six resolutions, including on preparing NATO for the future of drone warfare and on solidarity with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace. The Latvian delegation also met with Canadian Parliament members to discuss cooperation issues.

NATO Parliamentary Assembly's session focused on support for Ukraine and learning from Ukraine's experience in the war against Russia, development of defense against drone attacks, including the creation of a drone wall on the eastern flank of the alliance, and harmonization of military industry requirements in the European Union and NATO.

During the session, head of the Latvian delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly Raimonds Bergmanis (United List), his deputy Ainars Latkovskis (New Unity), as well as the permanent representatives Irma Kalnina (New Unity) and Liga Klavina (Greens/Farmers) took part in work of the assembly's committees, reviewing reports on current developments, including the situation in Ukraine and continuation of support for Ukraine, threats to NATO member states' airspace, the requirements of the Hague Summit and the 5 percent contribution to defense, and adaptation of defense and deterrence capabilities to today's requirements.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also took part in the session and answered members' questions, stressing the importance of cooperation, unity, responsibility, military capabilities and financing, especially now that the war in Ukraine is in its fourth year and Russian aircraft and drones are freely crossing NATO airspace.

NATO Parliamentary Assembly, established in 1955, serves as the consultative interparliamentary organization for NATO. It consists of delegates from the parliaments of the NATO member states as well as from associate and partner countries.