On 24 September 2024, in continuation of her working visit in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, responded to an invitation from the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to attend the Transatlantic Dinner, underlining in her address the importance of transatlantic relations for peace, security and stability. The Minister stressed that Russia was the most direct and serious threat to the security of the Euro-Atlantic space and she called on the Allies to agree on a concerted action to achieve a comprehensive containment of the aggressor.
“Peace and security in Europe are only possible if Ukraine prevails, so it is vital to give Ukraine all the military, humanitarian and financial support it needs, while eroding Russia's ability to continue its aggression,” Baiba Braže said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, took part in the opening of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the General Debate. On the first day of the General Debate, remarks were also delivered by the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs.
As part of the UNGA High-Level Week, the Foreign Minister met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade of Tuvalu, Paulson Panapa, to sign a communiqué on cooperation in international organisations, especially on climate change and related issues of state sovereignty and state continuity.
During her working visit, the Foreign Minister had several bilateral meetings – with the Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso, Belize, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The High-level Week the 79th Session of the UNGA in New York is held from 21 to 30 September. Alongside discussions on international developments, the key focus of this session will be placed on the strengthening of international solidarity and the rules-based order.
Topics to be highlighted while participating in UN events will be Russia’s accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine, the strengthening of multilateralism and international order, and the need for a global governance reform.
At the events of the High-Level Week, Latvia is represented by President Edgars Rinkēvičs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, and the Minister of Health, Hosams Abu Meri.
For updates on the working visit, follow the Foreign Ministry on its social network accounts.
Further information
Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council
Latvia is currently standing as a candidate for membership of the United Nations Security Council for the period of 2026–2027, which is one of the long-term goals in Latvia’s foreign policy laid down the National Development Plan until 2027. Latvia is actively engaged in the UN agenda by providing its own experience and expertise. Latvia has been elected to important UN bodies such as the Human Rights Council, the Economic and Social Council, and the Peacebuilding Commission. Latvia advocates international legal order, independence and territorial integrity of all UN Member States, as well as accountability for violations of international law, and combating intolerance, with a view to ensuring just and sustainable peace.
