We highly value Canada's contribution to Latvia's security - Kalnina-Lukasevica

  • 2023-03-14
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - We highly value Canada's contribution to Latvia's security, Saeima Vice Speaker Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica (New Unity) said during a meeting with Canadian Senate Speaker George Furey. 

"I would like to thank Canada for its invaluable contribution to the security of Latvia and thereby also of the whole Baltic Sea region. Latvia's society is aware of and highly values the contribution of Canada and each one of your soldiers. This ensures a convincing presence of NATO forces in Latvia," the Saeima press office quoted Kalnina-Lukasevica as saying. 

The lawmaker indicated that boosting allied presence on NATO's eastern flank in accordance with the decisions taken at NATO's summit in Madrid is essential for Latvia's security. 

Commenting on Russia's war against Ukraine, Kalnina-Lukasevica said that the ad hoc international tribunal to be established by the decision of the UN General Assembly would ensure that Russia and its leaders be held accountable for the crimes committed in Ukraine. Also discussed were the possibilities of finding a legally justified solution for diverting the frozen Russian funds to reconstruction of Ukraine.

"Bilateral political relations and special ties that have linked Latvia and Canada through cooperation in NATO provide opportunities for close economic cooperation, drawing investment, as well as for fight against disinformation and protection of the rules-based international order," said Kalnina-Lukasevica.

She emphasized Latvia's interest in continuing cooperation with Canada in combating disinformation - both bilaterally, within NATO, and in the European Union-Canada dialog. Democratic countries need to stand united against Russia's attempts to use disinformation and propaganda to gain international support for its war against Ukraine.

Russia has relied on disinformation for a long time, both in Russia and beyond, to justify its brutal aggression against Ukraine and make everything look questionable. Battles take place not only on the battlefield, there is an equally active and cruel battle taking place in the information space, said Kalnina-Lukasevica.

Speaking of economic cooperation, Kalnina-Lukasevica and Fury agreed that critical infrastructure, including mobile networks and data centers, was essential for security, and discussed opportunities to develop and produce joint high-tech solutions and products. The Saeima deputy speaker emphasized Latvia's success in the development of 5G solutions, and also encouraged Canadian businessmen to invest in the Latvian economy.

Also participating in the meeting were Saeima Deputy Secretary Antonina Nenaseva (Progressives), Saeima National Security Committee Chairman Janis Dombrava (National Alliance), Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Committee Chairman Janis Vucans (Greens/Farmers), and NATO Center of Excellence for Strategic Communication Director Janis Sarts.