President of Latvia Egils Levits met with Vice-Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Ms Tuula Haatainen in Helsinki today to discuss Latvian-Finnish parliamentary relations, the priorities of the Finnish Presidency in the EU Council, and other current issues.
Vice-Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Tuula Haatainen congratulated President of Latvia Egils Levits on taking his responsible office and welcomed the close relations between Latvia and Finland. She also congratulated Latvia on successful reforms in the areas of the rule of law, economic growth, education, and health.
Both parties appreciated the active cultural relations between Latvia and Finland and the interest of the population in the other country. Vice-Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Ms Haatainen stressed, “The Finns loved Latvia and its people”. She welcomed Latvia’s support for the priorities of the Finnish Presidency in the EU Council.
During the meeting, they discussed Latvian-Finnish parliamentary co-operation, with particular emphasis on the Nordic-Baltic co-operation formats and co-operation among the parliaments of the Baltic Sea countries. Ms Haatainen also invited the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament to visit Finland.
The conversation continued with the discussion on the significance of parliamentary democracy in shaping Europe’s future. Egils Levits emphasised that parliaments played a special role in strengthening democratic principles.
Much of the discussion focused on the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) and its priority of strengthening the rule of law in the EU Member States. Vice-Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Tuula Haatainen highly appreciated the experience of President of Latvia Egils Levits in strengthening the rule of law in Europe, and both parties exchanged views on how to strengthen the rule of law in the EU Member States.
The officials also welcomed the efforts of Latvia and Finland to reduce hybrid threats and create a quality information space in Europe, with special emphasis on the operation of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence based in Latvia and the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats based in Helsinki.
During the meeting, the EU multi-annual budgeting process was also discussed.
To continue his visit, President of Latvia Egils Levits will attend the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.
