Schwesig advocates for intensified partnership with Latvia - Strengthening Collaboration Proposed by SISIG Towards Latvia
Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, recently touched down in Latvia on a mission to strengthen economic ties between her region and the Baltic nation. Before her departure, Schwesig pronounced her visit a success, stating, "It was vital to dip my toes in the next Baltic nation after Lithuania."
For Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, regardless of its currently stable economic growth, expanding economic contacts remains a top priority. "The potential for growth in the Baltic Sea region is massive," Schwesig declared. "Therefore, our companies should target that area, because it signifies stability, because the countries also crave collaboration."
A concrete outcome of the trip is the scheduled German-Latvian economic forum set for September 26. Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa will lead an economic delegation to Rostock for the occasion, according to Schwesig.
Strengthening Bonds with the Baltic Sea Region
Accompanied by an economic delegation from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schwesig embarked on her journey to Latvia with the objective of expanding and solidifying cooperation between Germany and Latvia. Addressing an economic conference, Schwesig also touched upon existing collaborations in fields such as higher education and vocational training.
Developing stronger ties with the nations of the Baltic Sea region is a key component of the Baltic Sea strategy adopted by the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern government in 2024. "We deliberate on the democratic Baltic Sea region, because collaborations with Russia can no longer form part of it following Russia's attack on Ukraine," Schwesig clarified. "We thoroughly empathize with the concerns of our Baltic allies. Germany stands steadfast with them."
Nord Stream 2 Off the Table in Discussions
Due to her involvement in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, Schwesig faced scrutiny in the Baltic region. Following Russia's invasion in 2022, she publicly recanted her past endorsements of the contentious project, acknowledging her earlier stance as a mistake. During her discussions in Latvia, which shares a border with Russia, the controversial pipeline was not a subject of contention, Schwesig disclosed.
- Manuela Schwesig
- Latvia
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- SPD
- Cooperation
- Riga
- Baltics
- Germany
- Lithuania
- Russia
- Baltic Sea region
Incorporating insights from the enrichment data, we learn that Schwesig's visit aimed to strengthen economic ties and enhance cooperation between Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Latvia. The visit also included high-level meetings with key Latvian officials, conference participation at the Deep Tech Atelier, and exploring the digitization of Latvia's economy and public administration. The visit serves as a testament to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's commitment to enhancing economic and technological collaboration in the Baltic Sea region.
- The visit by Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, to Latvia was focused on solidifying employment policies as a vital aspect of strengthening economic ties between the two regions.
- In her discussions during the visit, Manuela Schwesig underlined the importance of immigration policies and fostering a conducive environment for employment opportunities in response to the potential effects of war-and-conflicts and other geopolitical factors.
- In the context of ongoing policy-and-legislation developments in the Baltic Sea region, the Minister-President emphasized the need for Germany, in collaboration with its Baltic allies, to focus on the development of employment policies and their role in promoting long-term stability and growth.
