Baiba Braže: the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to the Baltic countries is a testament to the significance of the relations between our countries

The working visit to the Baltic countries by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar is his first foreign trip since the ceasefire agreement with Iran on 24 June. His visit to Latvia began with his participation in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of Freedom.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in the Middle East and Europe, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and economic relations were the main topics discussed during the meeting between Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar (Gideon Moshe Sa’ar).

Minister Sa’ar invited Minister Braže to visit Israel, and she accepted the invitation.

Foreign Minister Baiba Braže stated: “Israel is an important cooperation partner for Latvia. It is a democratic state in the Middle East with which Latvia maintains a full spectrum of cooperation – both economic and political. Many Latvian nationals also live in Israel. This visit is very important and is a testament to the close Latvia-Israel relations.”

“We discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, its impact on Latvian and European security, and the need to increase support for Ukraine.”

“I reaffirmed Latvia’s firm support for Israel’s right to self-defence following the 7 October Hamas attacks, while also emphasising the importance of adhering to international law and international humanitarian law. I also stressed the urgent need to provide humanitarian aid – food, medical supplies and equipment – to civilians in the Gaza Strip.”

Baiba Braže condemned Iran’s support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, its destabilising regional policies, including support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen, as well as its human rights violations. The Minister underscored that Latvia will continue to advocate for EU sanctions against Iran.

The Foreign Ministers agreed that Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and that the development of Iran’s nuclear programme poses a threat to international security and regional stability.

Minister Sa’ar congratulated Latvia on its election to the United Nations Security Council.

The officials also discussed economic cooperation – both sides expressed interest in deepening collaboration, particularly in the fields of biomedicine, education, ICT, and innovation.

The ministers discussed the forthcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Latvia.

During the visit, the Israeli Foreign Minister also met with Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis.

Photo: Laura Celmiņa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs