On 11 December 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krišjānis Kariņš, took part in the annual Eastern Partnership (EaP) Foreign Affairs Ministerial meeting, which featured discussions on the future of the partnership in the face of geopolitical change in the region – Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine and security threat to the other EaP countries, as well as the course set towards EU membership by Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. At the meeting, Krišjānis Kariņš highlighted Latvia’s interest in deepening cooperation with the Eastern Partnership countries.
The ministers from the EU Member States and the EaP countries confirmed their willingness to develop an adapted long-term strategy for the EaP policy. The ministers also received updates on cooperation in the EaP context, with the emphasis on a regional agreement signed on the abolition of roaming charges between the EaP countries.
In an informal meeting with the Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Krišjānis Kariņš expressed Latvia’s strong support for the democratic opposition of Belarus and its efforts towards a free and democratic Belarus. Krišjānis Kariņš also underlined that Latvia condemned the Lukashenko regime’s brutal repression of its people, support for the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and involvement in the displacement to Belarus of children from Ukraine deported illegally by Russia.
Krišjānis Kariņš also had bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Moldova, and Armenia.
The meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, addressed the process Ukraine’s EU integration. Krišjānis Kariņš evaluated the reforms undertaken by Ukraine and reaffirmed Latvia’s support for launching accession negotiations with Ukraine. The Latvian Foreign Minister confirmed Latvia’s continued support to Ukraine along all lines of action, emphasizing political and military support and assistance with reconstruction.
Krišjānis Kariņš met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova, Nicu Popescu, to sign the Latvia–Moldova Social Security Treaty, which will ensure social protection to the citizens of both countries living in the other country. Krišjānis Kariņš welcomed Moldova’s progress with the implementation of reforms and confirmed Latvia’s support for the opening of EU accession talks with Moldova.
At the meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, cooperation between the EU and Armenia and the course of the peace process were discussed. Krišjānis Kariņš made note of the joint statement recently issued by Armenia and Azerbaijan expressing their commitment to normalizing mutual relations, and he emphasized that it was a major step in trust-building.
