Zelensky thanks Latvia for its strong support to Ukraine

  • 2023-01-13
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - During Thursday's visit of the Speaker of the Saeima Edvards Smiltens (United List) to Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the entire Latvian people for their strong and relentless support, making a significant contribution to the fight against the aggressor Russia, LETA was informed by the Parliament's Press Service.

During the meeting with Smiltens, Zelensky noted that Latvia's political support on the way to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration is also important, as well as selflessly providing military assistance.

Continuing his visit to Ukraine, Smiltens met in Kyiv with the highest officials of Ukraine - Ukrainian President Zelensky, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The Speaker of the Saeima confirmed Latvia's firm support for Ukraine's membership to the European Union and NATO.

In a conversation with the President of Ukraine and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Smiltens emphasized that Russia must answer for the crimes committed in order to restore justice. "There is no doubt about Ukraine's victory, but our task is to make sure that it comes as soon as possible and requires as few victims as possible. Therefore, the military support of the democratic world for Ukraine is crucial," said Smiltens.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shmyhal expressed his gratitude to Latvia for understanding that extensive support for the reconstruction of Ukraine is needed right now, without waiting for the end of the war. Latvia is already actively involved in housing stock restoration projects in the Chernihiv region.

The head of the Ukrainian government also emphasized the need to maintain pressure on Russia by strengthening sanctions and continuing the policy of international isolation. He thanked Latvia for its firm position in this area.

At the beginning of the visit, the Saeima delegation met with the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, and the Speaker of the Saeima addressed the Ukrainian Parliament in the sitting hall.