On 8 April 2021, the Latvian Foreign Minister, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, Arancha González Laya, who was in Latvia on a working visit.
During the meeting, Edgars Rinkēvičs and Arancha González Laya discussed bilateral cooperation, security policy and current questions on the European Union’s agenda, as well as developments in the EU’s neighbourhood and transatlantic relations.
Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs said how happy he is to be welcoming the Spanish Foreign Minister on a visit which takes place on the eve of the centenary of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Spain, as it is a true sign of the close friendship existing between the two countries. Edgars Rinkēvičs thanked Spain for its generous contribution to the strengthening of security of the Baltic States, underlining the appreciation for Spain’s regular participation in the Baltic Air Policing mission.
The Ministers shared their views and experience on cooperation with the EU’s eastern and southern neighbours, and they agreed that an active involvement of the EU in both regions is needed alongside a common EU position vis à vis third countries. Arancha González Laya provided information on latest developments in Latin America and the state of affairs in Venezuela.
Special attention was devoted to EU-wide coordination in matters related to COVID-19. Edgars Rinkēvičs pointed out that the main priority now is ensuring the deliveries of vaccines and the vaccination process; therefore, Latvia highly values solidarity among the EU Member States, including Spain, in the distribution of vaccines.
Edgars Rinkēvičs and Arancha González Laya exchanged opinions on current matters concerning NATO and the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as risks posed by disinformation, including at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Latvian Foreign Minister welcomed the decision by Arancha González Laya to get acquainted, as part of her visit, with the work of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence.