Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Latvia discuss expanding cooperation in defence industry and innovation
А meeting between the Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Latvia, Denys Shmyhal and Evika Siliņa, took place in Kyiv. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
The Head of the Ukrainian Government expressed gratitude to Latvia for its support and consistent assistance to Ukraine in military, political, humanitarian, and sanctions-related areas.
“We value Latvia’s position among the leaders in support relative to GDP,” said Denys Shmyhal, specifically thanking Latvia for a new aid package, including the supply of Patria heavy armoured vehicles.
During the meeting, the Latvian Prime Minister announced the arrival of the first batch of armoured personnel carriers in Ukraine, with the next batch already in transit. In total, 42 units of equipment are planned for delivery, valued at approximately EUR 70 million.
The officials agreed to deepen cooperation between manufacturers, particularly in the defence industry, innovation, and joint production of equipment and drones. They also explored opportunities to use the European SAFE instrument to finance joint projects.
Sanctions policy was a separate topic of discussion.
“We look forward to the approval of the EU’s 18th sanctions package, which will further undermine russia’s economic capacity to finance the war. We must increase pressure on the aggressor,” stressed the Ukrainian Prime Minister.
The meeting also addressed Ukraine’s reconstruction.
“I thanked Latvia for its assistance in rebuilding Chernihiv region. We discussed potential cooperation with Latvian companies in critical infrastructure,” said Denys Shmyhal.