On 17 September, the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, met with German-Baltic parliamentary friendship group delegation at the Riga Castle to discuss the bilateral relations between Latvia and Germany.
Both sides noted that relationship between Latvia and Germany is thriving and agreed that Germany is Latvia’s strategic partner. Chair of the German-Baltic parliamentary friendship group, Alois Karl, emphasised President Levits’ special bond with Germany and expressed hope that it would further facilitate the deepening of bilateral ties.
Meeting focused on education and particular attention was given to skills-based learning. According to the President, such approach to education would help solve skilled labour shortage problem.
German MPs acknowledged the impressive number of German students studying in Latvia, especially medical students, and urged to identify other areas of potential cooperation between young people. President Levits underlined the need to strengthen cooperation with Baltic German organisations.
German MPs also asked the President about current security challenges faced by the Baltic Sea region. President of Latvia stressed the importance of appropriate response to modern challenges, including hybrid threats, which requires strengthening of media landscape.
President and MPs also touched upon the agenda of the European Union (EU), progress with Brexit and new line-up of the European Commission.
