President Edgars Rinkēvičs is conducting a state visit to the Hellenic Republic from 2 to 4 July. "Greece is an important ally and partner of Latvia, especially in strengthening the European Union's and NATO's collective security. I highly value the long-standing and friendly relationship between Latvia and Greece. I am pleased that our countries are successfully cooperating in various fields, including research and culture. I would like to especially highlight the work of the Centre for Hellenic Studies, which advances the study of Greek language and literature in Latvia, as well as exhibitions of Latvian artists in Greece, and even cooperation in the field of cinema," said E. Rinkēvičs.
During his state visit, E. Rinkēvičs met with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr Konstantinos Tassoulas, the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and other senior Greek officials.
"It was in Athens 21 years ago that Latvia's place in Europe was confirmed with the signing of the historic European Union accession treaty. We know very well the challenges entailed in the European Union accession process and the benefits it brings to a country and its people. It is, therefore, commendable that the European Union has opened accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. On our part, we will support Ukraine and Moldova on their path towards Europe. Our two countries are responsible for guarding the external borders of the European Union. We have the eastern border. Greece – the southern maritime border. The challenges faced by our countries are strikingly similar. Greece and Latvia are also united by their commitment to a rules-based international order, especially in international organisations. Greece has been elected to the UN Security Council, and we hope that we will also be elected to the UN Security Council," said President Rinkēvičs.
During the meeting with senior Greek officials, the President of Latvia invited Greece to contribute to the strengthening of air defence capabilities in the Baltic states and to join the drone coalition. President Rinkēvičs proposed to initiate the practical steps to enable Greece to join the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (StratCom) in Riga.
E. Rinkēvičs highlighted Latvia’s substantial contribution to the Frontex mission on Greek territory, where Latvian border guards and police officers provide support on a rotational basis. In terms of personnel contribution, Latvia's support for the mission is among the largest national contributions of EU member states. It also represents the largest contribution of the Latvian State Border Guard to a foreign mission. Furthermore, the President of Latvia stressed that Latvia would send soldiers of the National Armed Forces to the EU maritime security operation in the Red Sea, where Greece has assumed a leading role.
During the talks, E. Rinkēvičs also emphasised the need for a comprehensive European Union approach to migration, including effective external border protection and measures to combat of illegal migration and its instrumentalisation, which requires solutions at the EU level.
The President of Latvia also met with the Latvian community residing in Greece and gave several interviews to local media outlets.
