On 27–28 March, President Edgars Rinkēvičs paid an official visit to Oslo, Norway, reaffirming the close bilateral ties between Latvia and Norway, particularly in the fields of defence, economy, and culture.
During the visit, President Rinkēvičs was received in an audience with His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Regent Haakon and participated in the Norway–Latvia Defence Industry Forum opening. He also held meetings with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, President of the Norwegian Storting (Parliament) Masud Gharahkhani, and members of the Storting’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.
During a meeting with the Prime Minister of Norway, the President of the Norwegian Storting (Parliament) and members of the Storting’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, the President of Latvia emphasised the importance of close regional cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Baltic-Nordic (NB8) format. E. Rinkēvičs reiterated Latvia's commitment to fostering economic cooperation, notably between the Latvian and Norwegian defence industries, and expressed Latvia's desire for increased Norwegian investment in the country.
During meetings with senior officials of the Kingdom of Norway, President of Latvia expressed gratitude for Norway's support for Ukraine and its commitment to provide equipment and training for a brigade-sized unit in collaboration with the NB8 countries. E. Rinkēvičs confirmed Latvia's dedication to continue close cooperation to contain Russia, for example through the reinforcement of sanctions and restrictions on the so-called “shadow fleet”. The President also thanked Norway for its contribution to strengthening regional security. E. Rinkēvičs emphasised the importance of a decisive commitment at the upcoming NATO Summit in Hague this June, stressing that allied nations must agree on a significant increase in defence investment.
At the opening of the Norway-Latvia Defence Industry Forum, the President of Latvia emphasised the urgent need to increase defence spending, acquire critical capabilities and invest in the defence sector. "Baltic-Nordic cooperation and coordination is becoming increasingly important. Our common goal is to ensure the resilience of the NATO Alliance and its ability to sustain military support to Ukraine. Europe's security depends on our ability to produce essential defence technologies domestically. To achieve this, it is essential to foster cooperation and maintain technological superiority. Latvia is committed to significantly increasing its defence budget," President Rinkēvičs emphasised in his address to the Forum.
President. Rinkēvičs extended an invitation to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Regent Haakon to visit Latvia.
During his visit, the President of Latvia also met with representatives of the Latvian diaspora in Norway.
