Today, President of the Riigikogu Ene Ergma met at Toompea the President of the Saeima of Latvia Solvita Āboltiņa and the delegation accompanying her, who are on an official visit in Estonia.
At the meeting, mutual relations of the two states, the activities of the Baltic Assembly as well as cooperation in other international organisations were discussed.
Both Ergma and Āboltiņa noted that the relations of the parliaments of the two states are good, and also Presidents and heads of governments of both states have been in close communication. Most of the joint events have been trilateral or have been held in different international forums.
Ergma stressed the need to reorganise the activities of the Baltic Assembly in order to increase the role of the organisation in solving the key issues of the region. It was found that the most rational cooperation is possible at the level of relevant committees of the parliaments of the Baltic States. This is the fastest way for the issues that have been discussed and the positions that have been jointly developed to reach the attention focus of the parliaments, as well as for adoption of concrete decisions. During the exchange of views, the need for a common understanding of issues relating to environment, economy as well as education was emphasised. At the European Union level, the need to enhance cooperation regarding the European Union financial perspective, transport management and energy interconnections was highlighted. The heads of parliaments also mentioned the importance of cooperation of the Nordic countries and Baltic States and its development which also provides a wider platform for the influence of the states of our region.
Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson also participated in the meeting.
Later, Āboltiņa will have meetings with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, Chancellor of Justice Indrek Teder and President of the Baltic Assembly Trivimi Velliste. She will also visit the Art Museum of Estonia and participate in the seminar at Tallinn Teachers’ House celebrating the 90th anniversary of de jure recognition of the Republic of Estonia by the states of the world in 1921. Other Baltic states were also recognised in the same year.
Photos taken at the meeting are available at the address:
The Riigikogu Press Service