The friendly parliamentary dialogue between Latvia and the Republic of Korea has laid a solid foundation for cooperation between businesses of the two countries, as well as for boosting tourism. We want the people of both countries to increasingly benefit from our active political cooperation. This was emphasised by Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, during a meeting with Kang Kyung-wha, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, in Seoul, where she also called for the strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

South Korea is one of Latvia's most important strategic partners in Asia, both politically and economically. The Speaker of the Saeima and the Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed interest in closer cooperation also within international organisations. As countries advocating for democracy and a rules-based international order, Latvia and South Korea can work more closely together to promote stability and peace.

The participants of the meeting highlighted the active work of the embassies of both countries in Riga and Seoul. The decision by the Republic of Korea to appoint the first resident ambassador to Latvia has already given a strong impetus to cooperation in a range of areas.

The Speaker of the Saeima noted that regular flights between Seoul and Riga would be of great benefit to the people of both countries, bringing our entrepreneurs, tourists, students, and researchers closer together, and expanding people-to-people contacts. As early as last summer, Koreans eagerly explored the Baltic region by charter flights to Riga, but the next logical step is to start regular direct flights.  

The Foreign Minister commended the start-up friendly environment in Latvia. Both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this area, laying foundations for expanding cooperation in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

The Speaker of the Saeima is on an official visit to the Republic of Korea until 12 January. Speaker Mūrniece is accompanied by Rihards Kols, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Gatis Eglītis, Deputy Chair of the European Affairs Committee and member of the Group for promoting cooperation with the Parliament of the Republic of Korea; and Jānis Vucāns, Head of the Latvian Delegation to the Baltic Assembly.

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Saeima Press Service