On 2 July 2024, the Political Directors of the foreign services of the Baltic States and Israel held their political consultation in Riga. The meeting addressed current security policy issues, with particular attention to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the current crisis in the Middle East and cooperation in international organisations. In this context, the Political Directors underlined the need for closer coordination in responding to regional security challenges.
In a bilateral conversation, the Latvian and Israeli officials assessed the political dialogue between the two countries and active people-to-people contacts, as well as highlighting the potential for strengthening economic cooperation.
At the talks, the delegation of Latvia was led by Andžejs Viļumsons, Under Secretary, Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Estonia was represented by Kyllike Sillaste-Elling, Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation of Lithuania was led by Inga Stanyte-Tolockiene, Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the head of the Israeli delegation was Aliza Bin-Noun, Head of the Political and Strategic Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the consultations, the delegation of Israel had a meeting with Andris Pelšs, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ivars Liepnieks, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister.
Consultations between the political directors of the foreign services of the Baltic States and Israel have become a regular practice. Previous consultations took place in Tallinn in June 2022.
