Meeting with the Estonian Ambassador: Strengthening Cooperation in Photonics and Defense Industry Development

Edgars Zandmanis, Chairman of the Board of SAPRA, met with H.E. Eerik Marmei, Estonian Ambassador to Latvia, to discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Latvia and Estonia in the defense sector and high-tech innovation, with a particular focus on the growing role of photonics.

The Estonian delegation shared insights into the country’s fast-paced innovation ecosystem and the strategic importance of photonics in modern defense applications. While Estonia is modest in size, its approach to developing advanced technologies is ambitious and results-oriented. Among the various stakeholders active in Latvia's defense landscape, SAPRA’s long-term vision and targeted initiatives were highlighted as especially noteworthy.

During the meeting, Edgars Zandmanis presented an overview of SAPRA’s structure, strategic priorities, and member network. He also outlined upcoming initiatives, including the planned establishment of a SAPRA Design Center — a new infrastructure project aimed at supporting innovation and cross-sector collaboration. The Estonian representatives expressed particular interest in SAPRA’s research and development programmes and engaged in a substantive dialogue on potential areas of alignment.

The conversation also touched on challenges related to funding mechanisms and administrative hurdles in both countries. The Estonian side noted the growing policy-level attention in Latvia toward strengthening the defense industry, referring to recent public reports. In response, SAPRA emphasized the importance of this shift, while acknowledging the need for continued work on improving the practical accessibility of co-financing instruments.

Toward the end of the meeting, the Estonian delegation introduced plans to open a new Business HUB at the Estonian Embassy in Riga. This initiative is intended to foster cross-border collaboration between Latvian and Estonian companies, particularly in the defense and high-tech sectors. SAPRA was invited to participate in the opening event, and Edgars Zandmanis confirmed his attendance, expressing support for such efforts to deepen regional partnerships.

Both parties expressed a shared commitment to maintaining a strategic dialogue and developing collaborative projects that strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem and contribute to a more resilient and integrated European defense landscape.