On 22 September 2021, during the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, Jean-Claude Gakosso, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son.
In a meeting with his Congolese counterpart, Edgars Rinkēvičs discussed cooperation between the two countries in international organisations. Being a small country, Latvia is highly aware of the importance of multilateralism and a rules-based international order, including in addressing the consequences of security challenges and the pandemic. He added that Latvia stands up for reinforcing cooperation at the United Nations level, especially in the matters of sustainable development, climate action and digitalisation. Latvia will continue firmly advocating the UN Security Council’s reform and, as part of it, due representation of the African continent, Edgars Rinkēvičs confirmed.
As he met with the Vietnamese Foreign Minister, Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed satisfaction with the constructive political dialogue between the two countries. The two ministers discussed the opportunities for enhancing Latvian-Vietnamese business cooperation. Latvia is interested in intensifying contacts in the areas of timber processing, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry and engineering. The ministers also exchanged views on the strengthening of the legal framework and cooperation in international organisations. Edgars Rinkēvičs welcomed the EU’s strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its importance in the EU’s common strategy for cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region.