On 12 September, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met at the Riga Castle with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, who is paying an official visit to Latvia.
During the meeting, the discussion covered issues concerning faith and ecumenical relations, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including the matter of abducted Ukrainian children, as well as the situation in the Middle East.
The President noted that Latvia enjoys a strong ecumenical tradition among the main Christian denominations, as well as successful cooperation between the state and the church.
President Rinkēvičs highly valued the firm stance of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. “Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and civilian population, including religious buildings, without showing the slightest willingness to engage in constructive talks on a ceasefire and peace,” said E. Rinkēvičs.
In a discussion on the situation in the Middle East, the President emphasised that every possible effort must be made to secure the immediate release of all hostages captured by the terrorist organisation Hamas. The extremely severe humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip must also be addressed by ensuring safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and preventing civilian casualties in order to end human suffering.
On 13 September at 10:00 a.m., an ecumenical service with the participation of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I will take place at the Riga Cathedral.
