Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš and Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries and issues regarding the European Union (EU) and security policy during their meeting of 27 June.
“We discussed the situation in the financial sector and the importance of combating ‘dirty money’ laundering. We have learned a lot in the region how to improve the supervision of the financial sector by addressing the gaps in our systems, which are used by criminals. We agreed that there was the need to improve cooperation at EU level, because this is a challenge faced by Europe as a whole, not just by our region”, said K.Kariņš.
The two Prime Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen the EU’s Single Market, achieve a more ambitious climate neutrality policy, agree on candidates for the EU management positions. K.Kariņš stressed the importance of the EU budget investment for Latvia's growth.
K.Kariņš and S.Löfven also discussed security issues in the region and the necessity to further strengthen the defence capabilities of both countries, including through increased funding for defence.
At the end of the meeting, Kariņš extended an invitation to his Swedish colleague to visit Latvia.
Within the framework of his visit to Stockholm, the Prime Minister participated in a round-table discussion with representatives of the Swedish Business Confederation and discussed the possibilities of cooperation between entrepreneurs and the investment intentions of Swedish entrepreneurs in the Latvian economy.
At the end of the visit, K.Kariņš gave a public lecture on the future of the EU, which was organised by the Frivärld (Stockholm Free World Forum) think-tank and the Embassy of Latvia in Sweden. The Prime Minister highlighted during his lecture the importance of a united Europe and open borders within the EU. K.Kariņš emphasized: “Today we are facing the challenges that the countries cannot resolve on their own, for instance, climate change, threats to the system of international law, financial crimes.” They require closer cooperation between the countries.
In his address, the Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for Sweden's support in restoring Latvia's independence, by stating that when there are some friends, they are not forgotten through tough times.
Sandris Sabajevs Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Phone: 67082865, Mob.: 22087726 E-mail: Sandris.Sabajevs@mk.gov.lv