This news came to light during Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's visit to Latvia, marking a pivotal moment in Ukraine-Latvia relations.
During his visit, Prime Minister Shmyhal engaged in discussions with his Latvian counterpart, Evika Silinja, focusing on military-technical assistance and the initiation of joint projectile manufacturing. This partnership not only strengthens the military capabilities of both nations but also opens up new avenues for investment in defense technologies.
"The Latvian government is committed to supporting Ukraine with an annual contribution of 0.25% of its GDP. I have personally thanked Prime Minister Evica Silina for this generous support. Our discussions were fruitful, spanning a range of issues including the organization of joint projectile production. We are looking forward to launching the joint production of drones for the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the near future," remarked Prime Minister Shmyhal.
This collaboration extends beyond just manufacturing, with both nations agreeing on the treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Latvian facilities. Additionally, the talks covered sanctions and the confiscation of Russian assets, underscoring the geopolitical implications of this partnership.
Prime Minister Shmyhal also expressed gratitude towards the President of Ukraine for endorsing the Peace Formula and participating in the coalition aimed at establishing a Special Tribunal for the highest political leadership of the Russian Federation. This move further solidifies the international stance against aggression and underscores the strategic importance of Ukraine and Latvia's collaboration.
Importantly, Shmyhal highlighted Latvia's support for Ukraine's path towards integration into the European Union and NATO, emphasizing the critical nature of this support in the current geopolitical landscape. "This support is especially valuable now, as we are finalizing the negotiating framework for the upcoming first intergovernmental conference, which will start pre-accession negotiations between Ukraine and the European Union," Shmyhal concluded.
For investors and observers in the defense sector, this alliance between Ukraine and Latvia signifies a growing trend towards collaborative defense production in Eastern Europe, potentially heralding a new era of investment opportunities in military technology and defense infrastructure.
