On 3 June, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Albania, Niko Aleks Peleshi, at Jūrmala residence. During the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral political dialogue, economic cooperation, the enlargement of the European Union (EU), and cooperation within NATO.
The President expressed gratitude for Albania’s efforts to strengthening security in the Baltic region, noting the contribution made by Albanian military personnel serving in the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia. President Rinkēvičs also commended the participation of Latvian troops in the NATO-led international operation in Kosovo (KFOR), emphasizing that security and stability in the Western Balkans are essential for the security of Europe as a whole.
The President reaffirmed Latvia’s support for Albania’s integration into the European Union and welcomed the progress achieved to date in implementing the reforms, particularly emphasizing the importance of reforms in the area of the rule of law.
The President of Latvia also expressed confidence that it is essential to demonstrate transatlantic unity at the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara this July and the progress made by NATO member states in fulfilling their commitments.
“Latvia is investing significantly in strengthening NATO and the European Union’s eastern border, but further efforts are needed to enhance air defence and counter-drone capabilities,” President Rinkēvičs emphasised during the discussion.
