On 23 October 2023, Strasbourg hosted the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, at which the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš, with his colleagues discussed current developments in Israel and the Middle East region, as well as support to Ukraine in the war waged against it by Russia. After the meeting, the Minister highlighted the joint position of EU Foreign Ministers on continuing all necessary support to Ukraine.
Despite the events in the Middle East region, Europe is keeping the focus on the provision of support to Ukraine, since Russia has not scaled down its brutality in the war against its democratic neighbour, Krišjānis Kariņš pointed out adding that in the Foreign Affairs Council he had called for progress, as rapid as possible, in implementing the EU’s security and defence commitments, especially in the framework of the European Peace Facility.
According to Krišjānis Kariņš, the enhancement of the existing sanctions and moving towards new sanctions, as well as the issue of Russia’s accountability are also essential.
With regard to escalation following the Hamas attack on Israel, the Foreign Minister emphasized the need for the EU to play a more active role in resolving the conflict. “The EU must engage actively to prevent the escalation of the conflict in the wider region and the aggravation of the humanitarian crisis, Krišjānis Kariņš noted. According to the Minister, ways should be sought to intensify the Middle East peace process with the aim of ensuring sustainable peace in the region by means of the two-state solution.
Photo: European Union