The European Union (EU) must send a clear signal of support to European countries that have committed to implementing democratic reforms, emphasized the President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
As the presidential advisor Mārtiņš DrēĖeris informed LETA agency, on Wednesday Rinkēvičs met with the President of the European Parliament Robert Metsol, the President of the European Commission Urzula von der Leyen, as well as the Executive Deputy of the President of the European Commission Valdi Dombrovski (JV) during a working visit to Brussels, Belgium.
During the meetings, support for Ukraine, EU enlargement policy, the situation in the Middle East, strengthening the capacity of the EU defense industry, as well as migration challenges were discussed, paying special attention to the situation on Latvia’s eastern border.
The President expressed his support for the EU enlargement policy, especially regarding the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Rinkēvičs also emphasized that countries applying for membership must accept EU values and principles not only in words, but also by clearly demonstrating the results of reforms. The President stated that he fully supports the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. He also welcomes the efforts of the Western Balkan countries to implement the necessary reforms.
Discussing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the President confirmed Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine, calling on the EU to provide all necessary support. Rinkevičs emphasized that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine remains the most significant security threat. According to the President, the EU and its member states should do everything possible to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.
“All commitments made so far regarding the provision of military and financial support in the short and long term must be fulfilled. The capacity of the defense industry must be increased, as well as the necessary decisions must be made so that Ukraine is financed without interruption,” noted Rinkevičs.
Discussing the situation in the Middle East after the “Hamas” terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, the President recognized Israel’s right to self-defense, while emphasizing the need to reduce the threat to the Palestinian population, as well as to prevent the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and the escalation of the conflict in the wider region.
The President also raised the issue of Belarus’ hybrid attack on the external border of the EU. Rinkēvičs called on the EU to solve the artificially created migration crisis, including by adjusting the regulatory acts regulating migration according to the current challenges, as well as by maintaining political pressure against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko.
2023-11-15 18:26:26
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