On 22 December 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs had a meeting with the Ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Japan, Russia, and Lithuania, and the Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia accredited in the second half of the current year.
The Foreign Minister and the Ambassadors discussed the key aspects of bilateral relation, and he talked with the Head of the European Commission Representation about the latest issues related to the European Union. Edgars Rinkēvičs also outlined current challenges in foreign policy mentioning the situation at the border with Belarus and the escalation near the Ukrainian border. The diplomats also exchanged views on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the international agenda in the coming year.
As he addressed the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Elnur Sultanov, the Foreign Minister noted the role of the Intergovernmental Commission in the further strengthening of economic cooperation and transport contacts between the two countries, while drawing attention to the importance of cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan both bilaterally and as part of the Eastern Partnership.
In a discussion on cooperation with the Ambassador of Japan, Yasushi Takase, Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs recalled the visit to Latvia by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi, this year, and drew attention to the opportunities for expanding Japanese investments, including in relation to the Three Seas Initiative and the Three Seas Summit in Riga to be held in 2022.
In his conversation with the Ambassador of Russia, Mikhail Vanin, the Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of openness and compliance with the existing international norms in international relations. Referring to principled differences in the positions of the two countries, the Minister underlined the importance of dialogue. A constructive agenda should be sought in bilateral relations, and non-politicised cooperation should be built at the regional level, for instance, in the framework of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, working together on vital issues such as climate change, environmental protection, public health, and others.
Edgars Rinkēvičs had a conversation with the Ambassador of Lithuania, Valdas Lastauskas, and expressed satisfaction at the close relationship between the neighbouring country. Cooperation between the two countries is important for addressing shared challenges, aligning positions in the EU and NATO, and working jointly in the formats such as NB8 and the Council of the Baltic Sea States. The Minister also underlined the need for further development of transport infrastructure and digital projects.
The Minister exchanged viewpoints with the Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, Zane Petre, and he drew attention to the Conference on the Future of Europe. Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasised that engagement was needed with the general public and political circles so that the conference would yield concrete results at its conclusion next year. The officials noted with satisfaction the broad public support to Latvia’s membership in the EU.