He stated that the first bilateral foreign visit by Julie Payette after assuming the duties of the Governor General is paid to Ukraine and Latvia and shows the strong commitment of Canada to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The officials were pleased to note the very positive dynamics of cooperation between Latvia and Canada experienced while strengthening the transatlantic link that was crucial for whole Europe.
“Canada has extensive experience in operating in the northern climatic conditions, as well as the successful development of many societies of the communities that allow it to lead the multinational battalion stationed in Latvia successfully. In their turn, Canadian soldiers can gain experience in co-operation with European allies in Latvia," stated Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia acknowledged that economic cooperation between the two countries deepened over recent years as well. Latvian national airline airBaltic has commissioned 20 Bombardier CS 300 aircrafts produced in Canada and has already launched several of them into operation successfully by expanding the number of flights and the number of passengers carried. Latvia was also the first EU Member State to ratify the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). It will significantly enhance mutual trade between the EU and Canada by creating new jobs, accelerating economic growth, and offering new opportunities to businesses.
The President of Latvia mentioned that Latvia and Canada enjoyed close people-to-people contacts and shared similar interests. “Historically, Canada became a welcoming home country for many Latvians who went into exile after the Second World War. Our peoples share their interest in winter sports. In Latvia, ice hockey is one of the most popular sports like in Canada. Sports fans are eagerly awaiting the game between Latvian and Canadian ice hockey national teams that will take place in Riga in early February,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.
During her visit, Ms Julie Payette will also visit the Ādaži Military Base, where she will meet with the soldiers of Canada-led NATO battle group stationed in Latvia.
The Governor General of Canada serves as a Head of State, representing HM Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth, and is the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces.
