On 2 October 2023, the Secretary of State of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs attended the informal meeting of the European Union (EU) Foreign Ministers in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was the first joint meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Ukraine since the Russian Federation's full-scale military aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The joint meeting in Kyiv confirms the EU’s unity and unwavering support for Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministers addressed the current situation in Ukraine, the EU’s plans for further support to Ukraine, as well as cooperation with global partners on promoting a rules-based international order and assistance to Ukraine. Andris Pelšs reaffirmed Latvia’s commitment to further provision of the necessary support to Ukraine in the long term, including by providing military equipment, engaging in the reconstruction work and helping prepare for the new winter season. The State Secretary also expressed support for Ukraine’s Eurointegration process, including the opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine already before the end of 2023. Andris Pelšs also underlined the importance of reforms and welcomed the progress made so far in implementing reforms under the war conditions.
The EU Foreign Ministers were addressed by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who thanked the EU Member States for their current support, highlighting in particular the importance of armament and the training of Ukrainian soldiers. President Zelenskyy called for a continued and intensified sanction pressure on Russia, including active measures to prevent the circumvention of sanctions. It is vital that work continues on the development of peace initiatives.