Ukraine’s accession to the European Union (EU) would be in the security interests of both Latvia and Europe as a whole, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized during a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko at Riga Castle on Tuesday.
According to presidential adviser Mārtiņš Drēģeris, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and Ukraine, Ukraine’s integration into the EU, Latvia’s continued support for Ukraine, and military cooperation between the two countries, including efforts to reduce the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles to Latvian airspace.
During the meeting, Rinkēvičs reiterated Latvia’s support for Ukraine’s integration into the EU and for the swift opening of accession negotiations. He stressed that Latvia supports a merit-based accession process and emphasized that, given Ukraine’s defence capabilities, its integration into the EU would strengthen the security of both Latvia and Europe.
“We appreciate Ukraine’s determination and the progress it has achieved in implementing reforms despite the ongoing military attacks by Russia. At the same time, it is crucial to continue these reforms effectively, particularly in the area of the rule of law,” the Latvian president stated.
Rinkēvičs also reaffirmed Latvia’s commitment to continuing comprehensive support for Ukraine
and indicated that defence cooperation between the two countries would be further expanded. In his view, Ukrainian-produced weapons systems and unmanned aerial vehicles have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield.
“It is in Latvia’s interest to deepen cooperation with Ukraine in the field of defence, learning from Ukraine’s experience in developing and integrating its defence industry into the armed forces, while also fostering cooperation between the defence industries of both countries,” the president said. He further emphasized that Latvia will continue to support Ukraine’s energy sector.
As previously reported, Prime Minister Svyrydenko is paying an official visit to Latvia on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, she met with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs together with the accompanying delegations.
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