On June 2, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko at Riga Castle. During the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, Ukraine’s integration into the European Union (EU), Latvia’s support for Ukraine, as well as military cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine, including efforts to mitigate the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles in Latvian airspace.
During the conversation, President Rinkēvičs expressed Latvia’s support for Ukraine’s integration into the EU and for the opening of accession negotiations as soon as possible. Ukraine’s European integration is an essential part of the EU’s security guarantees and peace efforts, which is also in the security interests of Latvia and entire Europe. “We support Ukraine’s criteria-based integration into the European Union. Given Ukraine’s significant defence capabilities, Ukraine’s European integration is in the security interests of Latvia and entire Europe. We appreciate Ukraine’s determination and the work it has accomplished in implementing reforms, despite Russia’s ongoing military attacks. At the same time, it is crucial to effectively continue reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law,” noted E. Rinkēvičs.
The President expressed the position that Latvia will continue to provide all forms of support to Ukraine, particularly by deepening cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine in the defence sector. “Ukrainian-made weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles have been tested and proven themselves on the battlefield. It is in Latvia’s interest to deepen cooperation with Ukraine in the defence sector, drawing on Ukraine’s experience in developing the defence industry and integrating it into the armed forces, as well as fostering cooperation between the defence industries of both countries,” stated E. Rinkēvičs.
The President also confirmed that Latvia will continue to provide support to Ukraine’s energy sector.
