RIGA, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has thanked his visiting Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb for Finland's support in strengthening Latvia's eastern border, highlighting close cooperation between the two nations in safeguarding regional security.
Rinkevics also praised the contribution of the Finnish border guard and the cooperation and exchange of experience between the two countries' services in talks with Stubb, who arrived in Latvia on Tuesday for a two-day state visit, the Latvian presidential office said.
"Given today's geopolitical challenges, Finland is an indispensable NATO ally for Latvia, especially in guarding the Baltic Sea and the eastern flank," Rinkevics stressed.
On economic ties, Rinkevics expressed Latvia's interest in expanding cooperation with Finland in transport, green energy, information and communication technology, innovation, and tourism.
For his part, Stubb voiced confidence that military-industrial cooperation between the two countries would deepen, stressing that Latvia and Finland together demonstrate Europe's determination to defend its security.
"Small countries like Finland and Latvia have a much better chance of pursuing their interests if we work together," Stubb said. He added that NATO must be prepared for any future developments, noting that Latvia and Finland will continue to be the first to provide assistance to partners. ■
