On 25 January 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Pekka Haavisto, who had arrived on a working visit. The Ministers discussed the bilateral relations between Latvia and Finland, regional cooperation, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the process of Finland’s accession of to NATO.
During the meeting, the Latvian Foreign Minister said he was certain that the geopolitical situation and the aggressing against Ukraine had facilitated a more intensive cooperation between Latvia and Finland at all levels, which had to be taken forward. At this moment, it is more necessary than ever to promote regional cooperation, especially in the format of the Baltic and Nordic countries, or NB8, in order to tackle the crises and challenges brought about by geopolitical change and to make stronger the shared security environment, the Minister noted. He added that work would continue in matters concerning a joint response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, for instance, the establishment of a special ad hoc tribunal, reparations, and the strengthening of the sanctions mechanism.
Edgars Rinkēvičs highlighted Latvia’s support for the process of the accession of Finland to NATO. Finland can rely on Latvia’s support in NATO, the Minister said. Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership will strengthen the security of the Baltic Sea region, NATO’s eastern flank, and the Alliance as a whole. It is also a significant step for our common Baltic Sea region, where Russia remains a direct and existential long-term threat. Finland’s joining NATO will contribute substantially to defence capabilities and geographical advantages of the Alliance and facilitate cooperation between our military sectors. Therefore, we hope that compromises will be reached in talks with Turkey so that the national ratification process could begin as soon as possible, the Latvian Foreign Minister underlined.
The Ministers were unanimous that at this point in time it was of key importance to provide Ukraine with all possible support focusing on Ukraine’s urgent needs, including military, and the rebuilding of its critical and energy infrastructure.
Pekka Haavisto has been serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland since 6 July 2019.