On 22 May, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden paid a working visit to Latvia. During the visit, President Edgars Rinkēvičs together with His Majesty visited the Ādaži military base to receive a briefing from the Commander of the NATO Multinational Division Headquarters “North” and to meet with Swedish battalion troops, who are on their first mission abroad with a NATO mandate.
At the Riga Castle, President Edgars Rinkēvičs held a meeting with King Carl XVI Gustaf, during which he expressed appreciation for the King’s and the Royal Family’s continued contribution to strengthening the close relationship between Latvia and Sweden — ties that have been especially strong since the restoration of Latvia’s independence. “Latvia highly values Your Majesty’s personal and the Royal Family’s role in fostering the close ties between Sweden and Latvia. Your Majesty’s fifth visit to Latvia stands as a testament to that bond. Furthermore, Your Majesty’s visit to Latvia in 1992 was among the first official visits by a head of state following the restoration of Latvia’s independence,” emphasised the President of Latvia.
E. Rinkēvičs extended his gratitude to King Carl XVI Gustaf for Sweden’s military presence in Latvia. He particularly noted Sweden’s active contribution to collective security under NATO since the very first day of its membership, including in the Baltic Sea region. During the meeting, the President encouraged continued bilateral cooperation in the field of defence industry.
During the meeting, President Rinkēvičs highlighted Sweden’s role in Latvia’s economy, recognising it as the largest foreign investor in the country.
