On 18 January, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the President of the Swiss Confederation Ms Viola Amherd to discuss bilateral relations as well as scientific cooperation, support for Ukraine, and the fight against disinformation. The meeting took place on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The President of Latvia underscored the need to counteract Russian disinformation campaigns and information operations. The two Presidents agreed that Latvia and Switzerland must deepen their cooperation in the fight against disinformation, especially given Latvia's considerable experience in the field of strategic communications and the presence of the NATO Strategic Communication Centre of Excellence based in Riga.
President Rinkēvičs stressed the need for continued support for Ukraine and appreciated Switzerland's willingness to co-host the Global Peace Summit together with Ukraine. He also welcomed Switzerland's significant contribution to the reconstruction of Ukraine, including humanitarian demining. At the same time, E. Rinkēvičs expressed his conviction that active efforts should continue to ensure that Russia bears total and comprehensive responsibility for war crimes and the crime of aggression.
The President of Latvia welcomed the historically positive bilateral relations and political dialogue between Latvia and Switzerland. E. Rinkēvičs called for deepening cooperation, especially in the field of science. "Latvia is interested in advancing science and research cooperation and in developing high-tech products and solutions. Latvia is ready and able to contribute to the creation of new technologies as well as scientific and business enterprises," said President Rinkēvičs.
