OREANDA-NEWS. Strengthening of bilateral relations between Latvia and Finland, security policy and current issues of the European Union, including migration and energy were the main topics during the meeting of President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis and President of Finland Sauli Niinistö in Helsinki today. 

“We mark the 25th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Finland. Our two countries share excellent, dynamic, and constructive relations based on common understanding and interest in the security and prosperity of the region,” said Raimonds Vējonis at the joint press conference of both Presidents. 

The President of Latvia underlined that modern security challenges, constantly growing concerns about the security situation in the Baltic States, and the tension between Russia and the West required close cooperation between the European Union and NATO. He said that there were many opportunities to build closer cooperation although Finland was not a NATO Member State, first, with Finland closely working with NATO itself and strengthening various formats of regional cooperation, for instance, sharing of knowledge and participating in joint exercises. 

“It is very important that Finland and Sweden took part in the NATO Summit in Warsaw as NATO's partner countries. This is only the beginning of closer cooperation in security,” said Raimonds Vējonis. 

During the meeting, Presidents of Latvia and Finland also discussed other relevant issues such as relations with Russia, development of energy and transport infrastructure, and bilateral economic relations between Latvia and Finland.