It has already been reported publicly that Sweden's largest forest owners' association and forestry group "Sodra" plans to sell its forest properties in Latvia, which cover around 2% of the country's territory.

Our country must seize this opportunity and buy these Latvian forests that are being put up for sale. This is a matter of national interest. Firstly, it is a question of national security, because large areas are located in Latgale; secondly, it is a question of economic security.

This is an excellent opportunity to invest the pension fund money of Latvia's residents safely in our own forests growing here in Latvia, rather than in more or less risky share markets, as has been the case until now and still is. I have no doubt that the overwhelming majority of people would support such an investment of pension capital. In Latvia we have more than 250 years of experience in planned and sustainable forest management, which over the long term provides not only a stable flow of income but also our economic and energy independence.