Latvia is ready for a close cooperation as Estonia will become the presiding country both in the Council of the European Union (EU) and in the Baltic region next year. This was stressed by Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Friday, 16 December, when meeting in the Saeima with Sven Mikser, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia.

On Thursday, 15 December, the Saeima adopted in the first reading a proposal for the Social Entrepreneurship Law, aimed at promoting social entrepreneurship in Latvia.

On Monday, 12 December, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, addressed the 11th Meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. “We live in a time of military conflicts, hybrid warfare, terrorism, extremism, and violence. We need to devote maximum effort to eliminate the causes of international conflicts and prevent new ones from arising. International conflicts can only be resolved through common understanding and joint action,” said Speaker Mūrniece.

On Tuesday, 6 December, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, met with Viktoras Pranckietis, the newly elected speaker of the parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. “Lithuania has always been our closest neighbour and friend.  We are close partners and allies, who maintain an active political dialogue and exchange of visits. I highly appreciate that you have chosen Latvia as destination of your first foreign visit,” said Mūrniece.

On Wednesday, 23 November, at an extraordinary sitting the Saeima adopted in the final reading a draft law establishing a support programme for start-ups, thus promoting their creation.

On Friday, 18 November, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, addressed the participants of the ceremonial sitting in honour of the 98th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia held at the parliament.  “As we each defend our own interests, let us not lose sight of the bigger picture, of our preeminent objective – the state of Latvia. It is unanimity that is needed in order to build something,” said Speaker Mūrniece, urging everyone to dedicate their thoughts and deeds to the state of Latvia and its future.

On Friday, 4 November, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, met with Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Speaker Mūrniece emphasised that “bilateral relations between Latvia and China are closer than ever before. Our country is genuinely interested in continuing our active political dialogue and frequent exchange of visits to further promote cooperation in economy, education, science and culture.” This is the first visit to Latvia by a Premier of China.