On 30 and 31 August 2023, the State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, took part in the Informal Meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich) in Toledo, Spain. The meeting addressed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Sahel region focusing on events in Niger.
The discussion focused on the EU’s long-term military assistance to Ukraine. Andris Pelšs underlined that Ukraine’s military needs must be met in the shortest time period possible and in full, as well as ensuring assistance in the long term. Therefore, Latvia supports a dedicated envelope of funding under the European Peace Facility to increase support to Ukraine. The meeting voiced broad support for an enhanced EU cooperation with global partners to foster rules-based international order and assistance to Ukraine.
The meeting was attended by the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, who updated the participants on current developments in the country.
Ministers also exchanged views on the EU's further action after the coup in Niger, which has posed a serious threat to the security situation in the Sahel. Latvia supports the vital role of the countries in the region in dealing with the Niger crisis in order to restore constitutional order in the country. It is also important to counter Russia's disinformation campaign in the region, especially in relation to the activities of the Wagner Group.
Foreign Minister of Niger, Hassoumi Massoudou and the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also were invited to take part in the exchange of the EU foreign ministers.
Photo: European Union
