In a time when Russia carries out a brutal war in Ukraine, it is clear the region’s sole source of threat could come from Russia, said Latvia’s PM Krišjānis Kariņš during a press-conference with his Swedish colleague Ulf Kristersson on Monday, the 19th of December.
He said the regular meetings between Sweden and Latvia are important to affirm friendly relations and consider perspectives for the future.
Sweden and Finland are on their way to joining NATO, and Latvia has supported this from day one. Kariņš hopes the other 30 NATO member states will support these countries’ addition to the family.
Kariņš said Latvia’s and Sweden’s cooperation and mutual relations can be considered «excellent, with room for improvement». Latvia’s PM added that both countries have good economic relations. He also said there is room to improve cooperation in the energy sector.
At the same time, ministers concluded during the meeting that the transport sector is important to both Sweden and Latvia. This extends to the restoration of ferry traffic between Riga and Stockholm.
Officials also discussed cooperation in the military industrial complex. Kariņš mentioned that Latvia’s armed forces already use Swedish systems, adding there is still room for expansion of cooperation.
Kristersson mentioned at the press-conference that applications to join NATO were important to both Finland and Sweden. He added that his country welcomes and appreciates Latvia’s comprehensive support in this matter.
«Currently we have to think about defence in a rather mournful context because we have to commemorate our friends in Ukraine, and the reasons why we need to deepen cooperation are unpleasant,» said Kristersson.
He said he hopes the NATO admission process is completed quickly. «Sweden, Finland and Turkey have a trilateral agreement that is actively moving forward. Turkey agrees. Either the ratification process is completed before elections in Turkey, which would be the best outcome for both Sweden and NATO, or ratification is postponed. But this is Turkey’s decision, one I cannot influence. We are doing all we promised to ensure admission to NATO is approved,» said Kristersons.
«We can see an opportunity for the Baltic Sea region to become part of the unified military alliance. Now is the last chance for Sweden and Finland to become part of NATO.»
«The geographical location, as well as Russia’s actions in Ukraine are two very clear reasons why Sweden and Finland have to become part of the alliance,» the Swedish PM said, commenting on Sweden’s and Finland’s admission to NATO.
At the same time, he said both PMs continued discussing Europe’s reaction in the short and long-term towards improvement of competitiveness.
«We have to reduce the risk of European companies ending up in unfavourable situation. It is vital to look forward in the long-term and increase Europe’s competitiveness, as well as perform measures to promote successful operations of businesses in the long-term perspective,» said the Swedish prime minister.