On 14 March 2023, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, to discuss bilateral relations, current issues on the European Union’s agenda, as well as support for Ukraine and the security situation in the region.
Latvia and Luxembourg are united by friendly relations, opening up a wide range of opportunities for political and economic cooperation. As trusted partners in NATO and the European Union, Latvia and Luxembourg cooperate towards strengthening the security and prosperity of Member States. The Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to Luxembourg for its financial contribution to military infrastructure facilities in Latvia, in particular, to strengthen the support capabilities of Latvia as a host country for NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.
An important topic of conversation was the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the consequences of the war. Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine, the need to hold Russia accountable for crimes of aggression, and the provision of further support to Ukraine in its fight for its territory and sovereignty. The Ministers agreed that Ukraine should be jointly supported and all the necessary assistance provided for its post-war reconstruction and integration into the EU.
Ministers agreed that, faced with common challenges in the current geopolitical situation, cooperation in the format of the Baltic States and Benelux should be further promoted. Edgars Rinkēvičs highlighted the potential for closer cooperation not only in foreign policy but also in the energy sector and education. It is relevant to note the signing of an agreement between the Baltic States and the Benelux countries on the automatic mutual recognition of higher education qualifications, the first of its kind in the European Union. This could serve as a basis for further regional integration in the field of education and the promotion of citizens’ mobility.
The Latvian Foreign Minister commended the growing economic cooperation between Latvia and Luxembourg. Luxembourg already ranks among the ten largest investors in Latvia. Both countries desire to continue their cooperation on digital and green technologies. Latvia is also interested in cooperation on space technologies.
During the meeting, the officials exchanged views on a number of items on the European Union’s agenda, for instance, the Single Market and competitiveness, EU enlargement, energy security, migration, and the rule of law.
Jean Asselborn has arrived in Latvia as a member of the delegation for the State visit of Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The first ever visit to Latvia by the Grand Duke of Luxembourg is taking place from 12 to 15 March 2023.