On 24 May 2022, in Kristiansand, Norway, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt. The Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in international organisations, support for Ukraine in the war unleashed by Russia, and security policy topics of current importance.
Edgars Rinkēvičs noted with confidence that Latvia and Norway were close partners with a shared vision on the region’s security and welfare. Latvia wants to continue active cooperation with Norway at all levels. Latvia is grateful for the initiative to channel bilateral funds of the EEA and Norway Grants into support for Ukrainian refugees. EUR 150,000 will be granted to Ziedot.lv, a charity organisation well-known in Latvia, the Foreign Minister underlined during the conversation.
Latvia welcomes Norway’s contribution to NATO deterrence and defence measures in the Baltic region, including participation in NATO’s Air Policing mission in the Baltic States, Edgars Rinkēvičs said. At the NATO Summit in Madrid, he noted, we expect a decision on the establishment of a permanent defence presence in the Baltic States, which has become an indispensability in the current security situation.
The Ministers also exchanged views on NATO enlargement. Edgars Rinkēvičs noted that Finland and Sweden were the closest and the most dependable partners to NATO, and they had a substantial role to play in ensuring stability in the region. Given our geographical proximity and excellent cooperation, Latvia supports the membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO, the Latvian Foreign Minister said.
During the meeting, Edgars Rinkēvičs invited the Norwegian Foreign Minister to take part in the annual Riga Conference scheduled for 21-22 October.