Swedish soldiers are very interested in the opportunity to participate in the mission in Latvia / Article

It was previously mentioned that Sweden could send approximately 600 soldiers to Latvia. It is expected that the first mechanized units will arrive in Latvia at the beginning of next year. The Swedish mechanized battalion will also include “CV90” infantry fighting vehicles and “Leopard 2” tanks.

Kristerson confirmed this at a joint press conference with Silina, who is on a two-day visit to Sweden.

Sweden’s contribution to regional security

The Prime Minister of Sweden emphasized that the response of soldiers to go on a military mission to Latvia is very high, and Sweden, which has recently become a member of NATO, takes these obligations very seriously.

“I have received information that recruitment is going very well. People are very eager to participate in the mission in Latvia. The great interest is a clear motivation that Sweden is ready to make its contribution to NATO. Together with our Latvian friends and colleagues, we are making the Northern and Baltic regions and all of NATO more safer,” Christerson said.

Latvian Prime Minister Siliņa thanked for this decision and also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, including economic cooperation, with her Swedish counterpart.

“We appreciate Sweden’s decision to send its contingent to the NATO battle group as part of the allied forces. We are honored and ready to receive,” said Siliņa.

“Latvia highly appreciates Sweden’s readiness to contribute to our collective deterrence and defense capabilities. Strengthening the security of the Baltic Sea region is now even more urgent than before. Latvia once again congratulates Sweden’s decision to join NATO – we have always supported it,” said Siliņa.

Latvia will continue to develop its combat capabilities

“Membership in NATO also opens up new opportunities for closer cooperation in the development of the military industry. The Swedish government’s decision to officially start preparations for the deployment of its armed forces in Latvia is great news for strengthening our common security. Latvia will continue to develop its combat capabilities – we already invest around 3% of GDP in defense. This means that we are also developing Latvia’s military infrastructure in order to be fully prepared for the reception of Swedish forces in our country,” said Siliņa.

The Swedish Prime Minister mentioned that he was actively involved in politics in the 1980s, when solidarity with the “brave freedom fighters” in Latvia and other Baltic countries was an important part of Sweden’s political identity at that time. He emphasized that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the restoration of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Sweden was an important priority.

“Sweden was one of the first countries to establish a diplomatic presence in the Baltic states, confirming our commitment to promote freedom on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Today, we are further strengthening bilateral relations between Latvia and Sweden,” Kristerson emphasized.

Latvia hopes to attract even more investments from Sweden

The Prime Minister also emphasized that Latvia and Sweden have excellent relations, which the countries are strengthening at all levels. The two countries have very close economic ties, and Latvia is interested in attracting even more Swedish investments, Siliņa said.

She emphasized that Latvia is interested in attracting more Swedish investments, especially in port industry projects, renewable energy, digital and military industry.

Latvia and Sweden jointly support Ukraine’s struggle for victory in the war against the aggressor Russia, which has not given up its imperialist ambitions. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the military industry in Latvia, Sweden and the European Union as a whole, according to Siliņa. Also, the heads of state governments discussed strengthening resilience and joint cooperation in the information space to counter disinformation and propaganda.

In Stockholm, the Prime Minister also met with Mikaela Johansson, the president of the company “SAAB” and representatives of the company’s management, with whom they discussed the development of the military industry and cooperation with Latvia. Similarly, in Stockholm, Silinas had a meeting with representatives of the Latvian diaspora, as well as employees of the Latvian Embassy in Stockholm.

On Friday, April 26, Siliņa will visit Gothenburg, where the focus will be on promoting economic cooperation with Sweden.