On January 27, 2023, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs met with Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, who visited Latvia on a working visit.
The officials discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and Sweden, regional cooperation and the security situation in the region, as well as international current events. The foreign ministers agreed that closer integration of the Baltic and Nordic countries should be promoted in all areas. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia emphasized that the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO will significantly promote the security of the region and deepen cooperation in the field of defense.
“Sweden’s accession to NATO will be a significant contribution to the security of Latvia and the Baltic Sea region, where threats caused by Russia are and will remain a long-term issue”, said E. Rinkēvičs.
The ministers condemned Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, emphasizing the need to continue providing military, economic and political support to Ukraine. At the same time, it is important to ensure Russia’s responsibility for its aggression and war crimes in Ukraine. “We are pleased that Ukraine is one of the most important priorities during Sweden’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ukraine must be given all the necessary support, as long as it takes, to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce the consequences of the humanitarian disaster caused by Russia”, noted the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.
