Finnish, Latvian PMs discuss bilateral ties, Baltic region security

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his Latvian counterpart Evika Siliņa on Friday met in Helsinki and discussed various issues including bilateral relations, security and topical themes on the EU agenda, said a government press release.

“Finland and Latvia have good, wide-ranging relations. It has been great to see how trade between our countries and cooperation in areas such as security and defence have intensified. In the current geopolitical situation, seamless cooperation throughout the Nordic and Baltic region is extremely valuable,” said Orpo.

The prime ministers noted that the situations at their countries’ borders are very similar: asylum seekers are being used as a tool for hybrid influence activities with the assistance of foreign authorities.

Countering hybrid influence activities and enhancing cyber security are in both countries’ interests.

They also discussed major themes on the EU agenda, such as the enlargement of the Union, the mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework and the EU’s Strategic Agenda for the next five years.

The EU leaders are set to make decisions on EU enlargement and the mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework at the December European Council.

The Prime Ministers discussed Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine and the EU’s support for Ukraine.

Both Finland and Latvia are determined in their support for Ukraine and the country’s path towards EU membership.

“Ukraine is defending its freedom for a second winter now, and we in the rest of Europe do not have the right to become fatigued. Comprehensive support for Ukraine must remain a strategic priority for Europe for as long as necessary. We must also work resolutely to gain the widest possible global support for Ukraine’s peace initiative. In the end, we all want peace, but it must be achieved on fair terms,” Orpo added.

Orpo also expressed Finland’s support to Latvia in its efforts to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2026–2027.

Siliņa also met with President Sauli Niinistö during her visit to Finland.