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On 18–19 June 2026 in Rome, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andžejs Viļumsons, held consultations with Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
During the conversation, Andžejs Viļumsons expressed satisfaction with the active political dialogue between Latvia and Italy, as well as their successful and multifaceted cooperation both bilaterally and within international frameworks. The State Secretary expressed gratitude for Italy’s contribution to the security of the Baltic states through its participation in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Ādaži and the Baltic Air Policing mission, which strengthen the security of NATO’s eastern flank in the face of the threat posed by Russia. The parties agreed on the need to deepen cooperation in the field of defence, particularly in the development of anti-drone technology. A practical example of the cooperation between the two countries in the field of security to date is the participation of Italian soldiers in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia and the participation of military officials from the National Armed Forces of Latvia at NATO bases and military institutions in Italy.
While discussing the security situation in the Baltic Sea region and preparations for the NATO Summit in Ankara this July, the parties agreed on the need to strengthen NATO’s defence and deterrence capabilities. State Secretary Andžejs Viļumsons noted that Latvia is actively working to strengthen NATO’s and the European Union’s eastern border and emphasised that the security of the eastern border must be a priority for the EU and NATO. The State Secretary provided an update on recent drone incidents and the related Russian disinformation campaign. Regarding the challenges faced by Southern European countries, Andžejs Viļumsons emphasised Latvia's support for strengthening NATO’s cooperation instruments to enhance collaboration with NATO’s southern neighbours.
The parties expressed satisfaction with the opening of European Union accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, highlighting the need to provide Ukraine with unwavering and comprehensive support in its fight against Russia’s war of aggression. It is important for international partners to continue working to ensure that Russia is held accountable. Latvia advocates for a timely extension of the EU sanctions regime against Russia and Belarus, including measures targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet”.
The officials also exchanged views on the current issues on the international agenda, including the importance of transatlantic cooperation both in the context of European security and in resolving conflicts in various parts of the world, as well as the outcome of this week’s G7 summit. Discussing the developments in the Middle East, the parties expressed concern about the lack of progress in Gaza and exchanged views on the ceasefire in Lebanon and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
During the visit, Andžejs Viļumsons discussed issues on the European agenda with Giuliomaria Terzi di Sant’Agata, President of the Committee on EU Affairs at the Italian Senate, and, in a meeting with Marco Simoni, Director of the Italian Istituto Affari Internazionali, and Nicoletta Pirozzi, Head of the “EU, politics and institutions” programme, provided an update on the security situation in the Baltic region and support for Ukraine.
The State Secretary outlined Latvia’s priorities at the UN Security Council, where, as a non-permanent member for the 2026–2027 term, Latvia places particular emphasis on ensuring a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, strengthening global security, and safeguarding the rules-based international order.