On 21 October 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Canadian Prime Minister's Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe, Stéphane Maurice Dion, to discuss the bilateral cooperation in security and economy, and current international developments.
The Foreign Minister spoke highly of the close relations between Latvia and Canada in the security and defence sector. Edgars Rinkēvičs thanked Canada for its significant contribution to the strengthening of security in the Baltic States, especially Latvia. He underlined that Latvia was prepared to continue providing support to an increased presence of the Allied forces in Latvia.
The Minister and the Special Envoy exchanged views on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the energy sector. Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasised that Russia’s further isolation in international organisation should continue, and coordinated mechanisms for holding the country accountable for the crimes committed should be supported. Likewise, all kinds of support for Ukraine are essential at this point in time including for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction – the areas in which we see potential for joint development cooperation projects with Canada, the Minister noted.
The Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Canada, Stéphane Dion, has arrived in Latvia on a two-day visit to take part in the Riga Conference on 20–21 October.