RIGA, Sept 12 (LETA) - Riga wishes to become the Baltics' center for drone technology, Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs (Progressives) said after a meeting with Defense Minister Andris Spruds on Friday, as the mayor's advisor Leticija Liva Lukjanska told LETA.

The officials discussed cooperation between Riga City Council and the Defense Ministry in military production, high technology, drone and artificial intelligence competencies in Riga.

Also discussed was cooperation with universities, Riga's preparedness for crisis situations, and security in the city.

Kleinbergs said that Riga was working on attracting investment to the development of the defense industry, while the Defense Ministry is also actively working to ensure development of Latvia's military industry.

"The industry is becoming increasingly attractive to investors who are looking forward to investing in Riga," said Kleinbergs. "That is why I have tasked the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency to pay special attention to attracting investment in the military industry," he said.

"Riga has great potential to become a capital of drone technology - also thanks to our drone center. At the same time, Riga's responsible approach to civil protection is an example for other municipalities," Spruds emphasized.

During the meeting, the minister also thanked Riga for cooperation with the organizers of military exercise Namejs.