The state visit of President Edgars Rinkēvičs to the Republic of Estonia is taking place from July 1 to 3. During the state visit, President of Latvia will visit Ruhnu Island and Tallinn. The President is scheduled to meet Estonia’s senior state officials, participate in the Latvia–Estonia Business Forum and the Livonian Award presentation ceremony, meet residents of Ruhnu Island and representatives of the Latvian community, and visit the Estonian civilian drone pilot training centre “HK Unicorn Squad”.
“It is a great pleasure and an honour to be the first President of Latvia to visit Ruhnu Island. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the residents of Ruhnu Island, as well as to Mr President and his team, for their very warm welcome.
Estonia is a highly important economic partner for Latvia. It is our third-largest trading partner and the second-largest investor in Latvia. I am therefore particularly pleased that tomorrow, in Tallinn, we will have the opportunity to address business representatives from both countries and discuss how we can further strengthen our economic cooperation. I am also delighted by the tradition of the Livonian Award, which recognises Latvian and Estonian companies that have made an outstanding contribution to promoting cross-border cooperation.
The current situation in the world, in Europe and in our region requires us to devote considerable effort to strengthening cooperation in the field of defence. Both Latvia and Estonia are investing 5% of GDP, indeed, already more than 5%, in defence. We have worked in close coordination in supporting Ukraine, and that cooperation will continue. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for Estonia’s support to Latvia in responding to hybrid threats, particularly in relation to the situation on the Belarus–Latvia border. Your assistance has been invaluable. It strengthens our security, and we are deeply grateful for it.
I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to President Alar Karis for his personal contribution to strengthening cooperation between our two countries – reinforcing regional, European and transatlantic ties,” President Edgars Rinkēvičs said at the press conference.
A joint press conference by the Presidents of Latvia and Estonia.
