From 8 to 9 December 2022, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, took part in the meeting of State Secretaries and Secretaries General from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the European Union Member States in Stockholm.
Jointly with the Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Stefano Sonnino, and the State Secretary for European Affairs at the Ministry of Sweden, Christian Danielsson, the Member States discussed strategic challenges to the EU’s foreign policy.
Andris Pelšs underlined: “EU Member States, together with their partners, should continue pressure on the aggressor state, Russia, in order to reduce its military capabilities and to help Ukraine in its fight to defend itself. The unity of EU Member States and their resolve to support Ukraine reflect our values.” Latvia and other Member States highlighted the importance of cooperation to enhance the resilience of the Eastern neighbours, as well as continuing cooperation with partner countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia so as to raise global awareness of the serious repercussions of Russia’s aggression.
During the meeting, the incoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, Sweden, outlined its political priorities – support for Ukraine, Russia’s isolation through a continued sanction policy, including in association with partners outside the EU, and holding Russia accountable for war crimes. Next half a year, a major role in day-to-day work will be played by the energy issue, as work is ongoing to strengthen the EU’s energy independence and implementation of its climate policy. Sweden is planning to focus on Europe’s competitiveness, to work with international partners in order to achieve reciprocity in trade relations, as well as globally expanding the EU’s trade relations.
At the meeting, the Member States also exchanged views on issues of immediate concern in relation to personnel policy in EU bodies and institutions.
As part of his working visit, Andris Pelšs had meetings with the National Security Adviser to the Swedish Government, Henrik Landerholm, the State Secretary Jan Knutsson, and Major General Kārlis Neretnieks, as well as visiting the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency. In conclusion of his visit, the State Secretary met with Ambassadors accredited to Latvia and resident in Stockholm, Sweden.
Background information
The Ambassadors accredited to Latvia and resident in Stockholm represent Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kosovo, Laos, Libya, Morocco, Mexico, Portugal, Salvador, Serbia, Shri Lanka, Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam. Zambia, and Zimbabwe.