On 8 July, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the President of Germany Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Jūrmala Residence to discuss bilateral relations, regional security, particularly the security of the Baltic Sea, and support for Ukraine. President Steinmeier is visiting Latvia on a working visit, accompanied by his spouse, Elke Büdenbender.
During the meeting, President Rinkēvičs emphasised that Germany is a close ally and friend of Latvia, a relationship confirmed by Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s twelfth visit to Latvia, both in his current role as President and previously as Foreign Minister. E. Rinkēvičs highly appreciated Germany’s contribution to the security of the Baltic States through its increase in military presence in Lithuania, regular involvement in Baltic airspace policing, and its efforts in safeguarding the Baltic Sea. “Germany is an indispensable NATO Ally for Latvia in the Baltic Sea region, especially in protecting critical underwater infrastructure,” said President Rinkēvičs.
The President of Latvia acknowledged the significance of NATO and allied forces’ physical presence and patrolling efforts. “The physical presence of NATO and allied forces in the Baltic Sea serves as an effective deterrent tool,” stated E. Rinkēvičs. At the same time, he underscored the necessity for further strengthening sanctions against Russia’s “shadow fleet”, noting that it poses a threat to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, contributes to Russia’s revenues used to sustain its brutal war against Ukraine, and presents environmental risks.
President Rinkēvičs and President Steinmeier reaffirmed their united support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The two sides agreed on the need to continue providing Ukraine with both military and financial support, enabling it to defend itself and protect human lives.
The President of Latvia also emphasised Latvia’s interest in deepening economic cooperation with Germany, particularly in the field of the defence industry, where Latvia is actively pursuing opportunities to expand collaboration.
As part of the visit, the two presidents will visit the German Navy corvette Braunschweig and meet with the ship’s crew, who are making a significant contribution to Baltic Sea security through their participation in the NATO operation “Baltic Sentry”.
During the visit, German President's spouse, Elke Büdenbender, will visit the National Library of Latvia and Vērmanes Garden to observe the XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival. In addition, Mrs Büdenbender is scheduled to meet with representatives of the “Women for Security” association to discuss women’s involvement in the fields of security and defence, as well as with Latvian legal scholars and practising female jurists.
