On 1 September 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, made a working visit to Athens, the capital of the Hellenic Republic, to meet with the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias. The Ministers discussed bilateral relations, Russia’s war in Ukraine, energy security, the Western Balkans’ issues, the relationship between the European Union (EU) and Turkey, as well as cooperation in NATO.
Edgars Rinkēvičs praised the excellent diplomatic relations between Latvia and Greece, and he expressed interest in continuing dynamic political contacts: “Latvia and Greece being likeminded countries, we are interested in an increasingly closer political dialogue.” This year, Latvia and Greece also mark the centenary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.
The officials exchanged views on the war waged by Russia in Ukraine. The Latvian Foreign Minister pointed out that work should go on to sustain maximum political and economic pressure on Russia. Latvia supports the adoption of further sanctions.
Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed firm belief that comprehensive EU-level solutions should be developed to restrict the entry of Russian citizens into EU Member States.
In a discussion on energy security, Edgars Rinkēvičs, welcomed the EU’s decision to end reliance on Russia’s energy resources as early as possible. At the same time, he pointed out that the EU should ensure alternative deliveries of natural gas in the short term while preventing new energy dependence on authoritarian regimes. “Our long-term priority is related to renewable energy projects to reduce dependence on fossil resources in the near future,” the Minister underlined.
Other topics discussed during the meeting were developments in Eastern Mediterranean and Africa, and cooperation between the two countries in international organisations.
Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs invited the Greek Foreign Minister to visit Latvia.
Background information
23 May 2022 saw the centenary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Greece. Greece recognised the Republic of Latvia on 23 May 1922. The Latvian-Greek diplomatic relations were resumed on 2 September 1991. Greece never recognised the incorporation of the Baltic States into the USSR.