On 15 March 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Luigi Di Maio, for a discussion on the security situation in Europe and cooperation between the two countries in NATO.
Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the inhuman aggression against the Ukrainian people had fundamentally changed the security situation in the region and Europe as a whole. It should be taken into account that Belarus is an accomplice in this war. Military aggression near the external border of NATO and the European Union is bound to leave a long-term impact on the security and defence of the Euro-Atlantic space.
Edgars Rinkēvičs welcomed Italy’s readiness to increase its troops in Latvia. Additional contribution by NATO Allies to the reinforcement of the region’s security, including that of Latvia, is a significant guarantee of our security, he noted. It is important to Latvia that NATO’s eastern flank be strengthened immediately and in the long term, Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined, adding that in terms of security and stability in the region, the presence of the United States and other Allies is the most effective deterrence vis-à-vis Russia.
The parties were in agreement that a severe humanitarian crisis was unfolding in Ukraine; therefore, ways must be found to immediately ensure humanitarian aid and practical assistance to the most affected cities in Ukraine.
Edgars Rinkēvičs voiced Latvia’s support for a decision by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on suspending Russia from its right of representation in the organization and considering its full expulsion. The Minister also called for sustaining and increasing the pressure by the Allies and like-minded countries on Russia in international formats, including by restricting Russia’s initiatives and its representation in the bodies of international organizations. The Latvian Foreign Minister expressed the need for a coordinated EU action to prevent Russia’s ships from entering the EU’s ports.