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“Ukraine can always count on Latvia’s firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We will continue to pursue a consistent policy of non‑recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea, and we will make efforts to keep this issue on the current international agenda,” said the Speaker of the Saeima Ināra Mūrniece on Wednesday, 24 February, during a remote meeting with the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Dmytro Razumkov.

At the meeting, the Speakers discussed the progress of implementing democratic reforms in Ukraine. The Speaker of the Saeima expressed unwavering support for Ukraine’s Euro‑Atlantic integration and affirmed the readiness of Latvia to share its own experience in implementing reforms. “We realise that the implementation of reforms is not easy. We know this from our own experience. Ukraine has taken several significant steps towards the implementation of democratic reforms, and this work must continue, including in the fields of justice and anti-corruption,” stressed Mūrniece.

Mūrniece and Razumkov welcomed the extensive parliamentary cooperation of Latvia and Ukraine. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID‑19 pandemic, the interparliamentary relations of the two countries continue to develop. The Group for promoting cooperation with the Parliament of Ukraine is the largest group of its kind in the Latvian Parliament, as almost half of all MPs participate in the work of the Group.

Mūrniece commended the active cooperation between Latvian and Ukrainian MPs in the Baltic+ Group within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. In addition, the Ukraine‑NATO Inter‑Parliamentary Council is a valuable forum where MPs can discuss the cooperation between NATO and Ukraine and topical security issues.

Regarding the Eastern Partnership policy of the European Union, Mūrniece emphasised that the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit should provide practical long‑term goals and a clear political vision for the integration of Eastern Partnership countries in Europe.

The Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament thanked Latvia for its strong support, including on an international scale, and expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian aid provided by Latvia.

Mūrniece and Razumkov also discussed the gas pipeline project Nord Stream 2. Both Speakers were united in their firm stand against the project, stressing that Nord Stream 2 is a politically‑motivated project threatening to increase the energy dependence of Europe on Russia.

The Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine (Verkhovna Rada) Dmytro Razumkov came to Latvia on an official visit a year ago, on 24‑25 February 2020. 

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Saeima Press Service