On 5 September 2022, the State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, hosted accreditation visits from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada, Brian Szwarc, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Finland, Anne Saloranta, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway, Ine Måreng.
During the meeting with the Ambassador of Canada, Andris Pelšs thanked Canada for its inestimable contribution to Latvia’s security and defence. The State Secretary and the Ambassador were unanimous that it was vital to continue the implementation of NATO Madrid Summit decisions on the strengthening of military presence in the eastern flank of the Alliance, which is critical for security across Europe.
The State Secretary also noted that Latvia was interested in intensifying an economic dialogue with Canada, especially in the development of high technology solutions and manufacturing of products. The Ambassador confirmed Canada’s intention to continue close cooperation with Latvia in security and defence, as well as in trade and investment, culture and people-to-people contacts.
During the meeting with the Ambassador of Finland, Andris Pelšs expressed satisfaction with the good relations between Latvia and Finland. “Not only is Finland a close neighbour in geographical terms, it is also a close ally. Our relationship is based on a common understanding of directions for the region’s development and security-related matters,” the State Secretary said.
The diplomats were in agreement that Latvia and Finland should continue a more targeted and coordinated cooperation for the strengthening of security and defence sector. Andris Pelšs praised current joint efforts both on a project for the development and manufacturing of Patria 6x6 armoured wheeled vehicles, and through building closer contacts between the Helsinki European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats and the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence. The opportunity to learn from Finnish colleagues on the ways to create a comprehensive national defence system has also been a rewarding experience.
In a conversation with the Norwegian Ambassador, the State Secretary referred to Latvian-Norwegian relations as close and multi-faceted, with joint activities in regional and international formats. The officials underlined that the safeguarding of security and stability is the foundation for the region’s development and prosperity. Latvia appreciates Norway’s contribution to the strengthening of security and resilience of the Baltic region.
While exchanging views on economic relations, Andris Pelšs pointed out that Latvia is interested in expanding cooperation in the areas of information and communication technologies and innovation, as well as the implementation of infrastructure projects. Latvia attaches great importance to the Norwegian Financial Mechanism in the promotion of a closer bilateral cooperation and supporting Latvia’s research and education sectors and businesses.
The accreditation of the Ambassadors with the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, has been scheduled for 7 September 2022.
