On 15-16 June 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, while on a working visit to Washington, DC, met with United States officials for a discussion on preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Madrid, the Alliance’s presence in the its eastern flank, and further support for Ukraine.
In a meeting with the Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, at the Department of State, the Foreign Minister commended the unwavering position of the United States towards the war waged by Russia on Ukraine. Edgars Rinkēvičs said that Russia’s isolation and sanctions pression should continue, while providing political, financial and military support for Ukraine. The officials underlined that it was of high importance to coordinate, together with like-minded partners, the development of sanctions on Russia and provision of military assistance to Ukraine. The Latvian Foreign Minister stated that the West should continue restrictive measures against Russia.
Edgars Rinkēvičs stressed that “peace solutions” at the expense of Ukraine were unacceptable. A solution to stopping the hostilities must be based on Ukraine’s national interests and its legitimate rights to determine when and on what conditions the conflict should be ended.
The Latvian and United States officials also discussed solutions to the problem of the Ukrainian grain export. Edgars Rinkēvičs noted that the resumption of exports of Ukrainian agricultural products should be based on Ukraine’s interests and abilities.
The Foreign Minister underlined in the conversation that the United States leadership in safeguarding Europe’s security is indispensable. Latvia appreciates current support and the close cooperation.
In a discussion on current security situation in the region, Edgars Rinkēvičs accentuated that NATO should adapt to the changing security environment, especially in the Baltic States. Russia’s war in Ukraine has changed reality in the region for the long term. NATO holds a leading position in terms of security environment in line with the Alliance’s interests and needs. “Russia’s war against Ukraine has proved that current security solutions of tripwire posture in the Baltic States are not sufficient, and transition is needed to forward defence,” the Foreign Minister underlined.
Latvia expects the NATO Summit in Madrid held as early as end of June to adopt firm and clear political decisions in relation to the strengthening of the Alliance’s eastern flank so that the military representatives of the Alliance could work with those guidelines to adjust NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities. According to Edgars Rinkēvičs, at the Madrid Summit, the member states must agree on the strengthening of NATO’s forward presence in the Baltic States, which is objectively necessitated under the current security climate in the region.
As concerns the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), the Latvian Foreign Minister made a positive note of support voiced by the United States for the objectives of the initiative in the present-day geopolitical situation. We believe that in the 3SI context, it is vital to enhance synergies between various financial instruments that would facilitate the development of the region’s infrastructure, Edgars Rinkēvičs said, adding that the 3SI’s potential should be used towards support for Ukraine.
As part of his visit to Washington, the Foreign Minister had meetings at the United States National Security Council. The Minister had a conversation on the region’s security challenges and latest developments with the Chair of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, William Keating, and experts from the heritage Foundation think-tank.