Edgars Rinkēvičs: Latvia and Slovenia have a similar perspective on the latest EU developments, international and security policy issues

On 21 October 2020, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Anže Logar, who was in Riga on a working visit. The Ministers discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and Slovenia, issues of current importance for the European Union, and global affairs including the EU’s relations with Russia, developments in Belarus, the situation in the Western Balkans, as well as security policy, transatlantic relations and the Three Seas Initiative.

Edgars Rinkēvičs commended the close bilateral relations which the two countries have. Minister Rinkēvičs thanked Slovenia in particular for its participation in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group stationed in Latvia, and he highlighted this as a vital contribution to the strengthening of security throughout the Baltic region and to collective security.

The Ministers had an in-depth discussion of EU topics such as the Multiannual Financial Framework, the rule of law, the European Green Deal, the future of Europe. On the issue of the multiannual budget, the Ministers were in agreement that it is essential to achieve an understanding in talks with the European Parliament so that additional investments can be channeled into our economies in the very near future.

Anže Logar mapped out the Slovenian priorities of the Council of the EU: resilience in the context of COVID-19, cyber security, the EU’s ability to respond to crises; development of economy and economic recovery; the rule of law, and the EU’s relations with the neighbouring regions, especially the Western Balkans. Slovenia will preside over the Council of the EU in the second half of 2021.

In an exchange of opinions on global challenges, Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined that relations with Russia should be based on strong principles, compliance with international law and respect for the territorial integrity of other countries. In this matter, it is vital to maintain the unity of Europe and the transatlantic bond.

The Ministers also discussed the outcomes of the Three Seas Initiative Summit held on 19 October and the importance of the initiative in the context of regional cooperation, competitiveness and geopolitical interests.