RIGA, July 30 (LETA) - In terms of national security and defense capabilities, Liepaja plays an important role in the Baltic Sea and Liepaja Port's role will only become more important in the coming years, therefore it is necessary to develop its infrastructure capabilities and capacity, President Edgars Rinkevics said at a meeting with Liepaja Mayor Gunars Ansins (Liepaja Party) at the president's residence in Jurmala on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Rinkevics and Ansins discussed latest developments in Liepaja, including security and defense infrastructure modernization in the city, as Rinkevics' advisor Martins Dregeris told LETA. Liepaja's preparedness to become the European Capital of Culture in 2027 was also discussed.

From the standpoint of national security and defense capabilities, there is no doubt about the importance of Liepaja Port in the Baltic Sea region, said Rinkevics. He believes that the role of the port will only grow more important in the coming years, which is why it is necessary to develop the port's infrastructure capacity and capabilities already now.

Liepaja Aerodrome is also important for civilian and military purposes, for example, in supporting search and rescue operations in the Baltic Sea, said Rinkevics. In his opinion, cooperation between the state and Liepaja City Council in providing the necessary resources for further infrastructure development is essential, including in order to expand the opportunities for NATO allied forces to use Liepaja's favorable geographical location.

As reported, at the end of June Ansins was re-elected chairman of the Liepaja City Council. Ansins was the only candidate for the post of the council chairman. All lawmakers voted for him unanimously.

LETA also reported, the Liepaja Party, represented by the previous mayor Ansins, won the municipal elections in Liepaja, according to data released by the Central Election Commission (CVK).

Liepaja Party received 45.74 percent of the votes, which ensures a stable majority in the City Council, or nine seats out of 15.

The second place with 20.26 percent of the votes goes to the Latvian Association of Regions, which got four seats in the City Council.

The third place with 9.27 percent of the votes went to the National Alliance, which gives it two seats on the Council.

Turnout in Liepaja was slightly above 43.4 percent.