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Latvia and Ukraine are closely linked. Today, Ukrainians are experiencing Russian aggression most severely and are literally on the front lines, and we will continue offering a helping hand and providing practical aid. This was emphasised by Dagmāra Beitnere-Le Galla, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, during her working visit to Kiev while meeting Ukrainian Parliament officials.
During her working visit to Kiev, Beitnere-Le Galla met with Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Mykyta Poturayev, Chairperson of the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and members of the Latvian-Ukrainian interparliamentary friendship group, as well as visited the office of the International Crimea Platform initiative.
Our experience has taught us the importance of support by the international community. Therefore, Latvia will insist on keeping the human rights violations in Crimea, as well as the unlawful annexation of Crimea on the agenda of international organisations. There is already a Group for the support of the International Crimea Platform established in the Saeima, and we urge our counterparts in like-minded countries to do the same, emphasised the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima. Latvia is also planning to organise an international conference dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of the legal aspects of the non-recognition policy towards the occupation of Crimea.
Rest assured that Latvia will continue to support the Euro-Atlantic course of Ukraine and will remain a close ally and defender of Ukraine in international organisations, said Beitnere-Le Galla. Meanwhile, Latvia continues to provide humanitarian aid and is planning to resume rehabilitation courses to Ukrainian soldiers injured in hostilities in Eastern Ukraine.
During the meetings, the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima discussed the experience of the parliaments of both countries in developing and updating media regulations. Beitnere-Le Galla noted that the Baltic States could learn from the experience of Ukraine, which has been standing firmly against Russian propaganda. Both Latvia and Ukraine are democratic countries that are currently facing the challenge of achieving balance between national security interests and the freedom of speech, said the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima.
The Deputy Speaker of the Saeima is currently visiting Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. During her visit, Beitnere-Le Galla attended a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre.
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Saeima Press Service