On 19 April 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in an informal video conference of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council, at the ministers discussed the state of affairs in Ethiopia and relations between the EU and Ukraine, and had a meeting online with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba.
At the beginning of the video conference, ministers discussed current affairs concerning a number of countries including the EU’s mediation in the settlement of the political crisis in Georgia, as well as latest developments in Myanmar and Mozambique.
The ministers expressed their concern about Alexei Navalny’s health and demanded that Russia ensure adequate medical care for him. They also expressed support for the Czech Republic on its decision to expel 18 Russian diplomats.
In talking about Ukraine and during the meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, the EU Foreign Ministers noted that the security situation has deteriorated in recent months. Edgars Rinkēvičs affirmed Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He condemned the increasing military activity of the armed formations from Russia and the so-called “people’s republics” of Luhansk and Donetsk, and pointed out that Russia should stop the escalation of the situation. Minister Rinkēvičs expressed support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and he underlined that Latvia is prepared to offer support to Ukraine in the implementation of reforms and the fight against disinformation. Edgars Rinkēvičs welcomed the Crimean Platform initiative.
EU Foreign Ministers also shared views on the alarming developments in Ethiopia. They considered possible further steps to facilitate the settlement of the conflict in the region of Tigray and called for an end to violence and ensuring access for humanitarian assistance. The ministers highlighted the importance of the democratic process and voiced support for the Ethiopian government’s plan to organise free and democratic elections.