On 3 February 2022, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs took part in consultations between the State Secretaries of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic States and Germany. Those were the first consultations with Andreas Michaelis, Secretary of State at the Federal Foreign Office, after he assumed post following the change of government. The central discussion focused on current security issues in Europe, developments near the Ukrainian border, and tensions in relationship with Russia and Belarus.
The officials were in agreement that a unified and concerted response by European Union Member States and Allies to Russia’s demands concerning European and NATO security infrastructure is of vital importance and should be sustained throughout the negotiating process. The ways to support Ukraine were also discussed. Andris Pelšs just like other participants pointed out the need for continued support to Ukraine as well as increasing assistance where possible.
The State Secretary underlined the role of Germany in the strengthening of security and unity in the whole of Europe. Germany is our close ally, and its importance in our region and across Europe is only increasing given the current geopolitical tension. We must reinforce our mutual dialogue on defence and security policy, which has a great potential, Andris Pelšs said.
The consultations also addressed the transatlantic cooperation, the EU-NATO, and the EU-China relations. Andris Pelšs informed the participants about the Three Seas Initiative Summit and Business Forum to be held in Riga and underlined the overall potential of the Three Seas Initiative, its Investment Fund, and the summit. Views were also shared on the EU-NATO relations and transatlantic cooperation.
As part of his visit, Andris Pelšs also met with representatives from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP – Stiftung Wissenschaft un Politik) for a dialogue on current security issues, and he discussed the EU-China relations with experts from the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS).