The Presidents of both countries have discussed the results of the elections to the European Parliament (EP) by noting that the EU supportive, leading EP political parties have succeeded in preserving the influence, but the success of the far-right parties in several countries is a cause for concern.
President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis has emphasised that Latvia appreciates the political dialogue between the two countries because Austria is an important partner of Latvia both bilaterally and in a multilateral format, including seeking common interests in the EU. On the other hand, regular political consultations between our countries provide an opportunity to exchange views not only on bilateral issues but also on regional and global issues.
“Latvia and Austria share close cooperation in defence. The agreement signed between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Defence of Austria on the purchase of self-propelled howitzer systems in April 2017 providing a significant addition to the artillery of the National Armed Forces, and the training of representatives of the Latvian Armed Forces regarding the use and maintenance of this armament allowed improving defensibility of our country,” noted Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia stressed that our countries also shared a common understanding of the importance of climate change. Latvia considers that working towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the goals stipulated therein is crucial, that is, to keep global warming at 2°C and to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C, as it would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change, improve adaptation to the negative effects of climate change, to promote climate resilience and development characterized by low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and to promote investment in low-carbon and climate change- resilient development.
“Latvia supports the need for countries to do more in climate change policy because, unfortunately, the scientific assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the global climate change situation and the overall progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement show that current national goals and policies are insufficient to keep global warming at 1.5°C. This is still possible, but immediate and comprehensive action is needed. Being aware of the need for immediate action on climate policy, Latvia has joined the initiative of eight EU Member States to achieve EU climate neutrality by 2050,” stated Raimonds Vējonis at the meeting.
Continuing his working visit to Austria, the President of Latvia will meet with compatriots in Austria and honorary consuls of Latvia in Austria at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to Austria in the afternoon. At the end of the day, Raimonds Vējonis will take part in a dinner hosted by Federal Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz.
In its turn, on Tuesday, May 28, President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis will participate in the International Climate Summit “R20 Austrian World Summit”. The Summit aims at seeking solutions and sharing experiences with measures already in place to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and global climate protection objectives under the Paris Agreement.
