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“Since the renewal of independence and restoration of democracy, mutual support and solidarity have characterised the relations between Latvia and Poland. We have stood shoulder to shoulder in our attempts to regain our rightful place in the European and transatlantic family of nations,” said Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, on Friday, 23 November, during her meeting with Bronisław Komorowski, President of the Republic of Poland, who visited the Saeima during his state visit to Latvia.

In her evaluation of bilateral relations between both countries, Speaker indicated that currently they are very good, constructive and dynamic. “This characterisation applies to the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. We have close interparliamentary cooperation, and the size of the group for interparliamentary relations with Poland established in the Saeima attests to that,” emphasised Speaker Āboltiņa. She also expressed gratification at the exchange of visits by high public officials because it proves that ties between both countries are close. “Our destinies have been linked throughout centuries due to our geographical proximity, the Baltic Sea, millstones of history and similar choices regarding further development of our countries,” emphasised Solvita Āboltiņa.

In addition, the Speaker stressed that at the time when the flame of our desire to become independent and free could no longer be quenched, we were encouraged by the achievements of the Solidarnošč movement in Poland and by the first democratic elections held in Eastern Europe in 1989.

During the meeting, Speaker Āboltiņa indicated that Latvia is willing to expand the existing framework of cooperation and mutual support, and we believe that Poland can become a leader in advancing several important regional, European and security policy issues and thus an ally in ensuring the development of the region and Europe as a whole.

Furthermore, during her meeting with the President of Poland, Speaker Āboltiņa emphasised that both states are linked by increasingly stronger ties between universities and schools, writers and artists, local governments and families. “The Polish diaspora is one of the oldest ethnic minority groups living in Latvia. It was very active in founding our state and in regaining its independence,” said the Speaker. She indicated Latvia is a place where diverse nations can live together in peace and harmony, nurture their language and culture, and be the patriots of the state they live in. The Polish community in Latvia attests to that. “Latvia will never forget public figures such as Ita Kozakēviča, whom we regard as one of the symbols of our independence,” emphasised Āboltiņa.

Photos from the meeting are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/sets/72157632081095120/
Video from the meeting is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVN-zgviV3g&feature=plcp
When using the material, please give credit to the Saeima Chancellery.

Saeima Press Service