April 19, 2021.
The information was prepared by the Communication Group.
On 19 April 2021, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs participated in an informal videoconference of the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council, during which EU foreign ministers discussed the situation in Ethiopia, EU-Ukraine relations, and met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleb in videoconference ( Dmytro Kuleba).
The introductory part of the meeting discussed the current situation in several countries, including the involvement of EU mediation in resolving the political crisis in Georgia, as well as the situation in Myanmar and Mozambique.
Ministers expressed concern at the deteriorating health of Mr Navalni and called on Russia to provide him with adequate medical care, as well as support for the Czech Republic in deciding to expel 18 Russian diplomats.
Speaking about Ukraine and meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, the EU Foreign Ministers acknowledged that the security situation has deteriorated in recent months. E. Rinkēvičs emphasized that Latvia consistently advocates for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He condemned the growing military activities of the armed formations of Russia and the “People’s Republics” of Lugansk and Donetsk, and said that Russia must stop the escalation of the situation. The Minister expressed support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration efforts, emphasizing that Latvia is ready to support Ukraine in implementing its reforms, as well as in the fight against misinformation. E. Rinkēvičs expressed support for the initiative of the Crimean Platform.
EU foreign ministers also discussed the increasingly worrying situation in Ethiopia. Ministers discussed possible further steps to help resolve the conflict in the Tigris region, including calling for an end to the violence and access to humanitarian aid. Ministers also emphasized the importance of the democratic process and expressed support for the Ethiopian government’s plan to hold free and democratic elections.
Additional information:
Communication group
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