On 14 January, President Edgars Rinkēvičs participated in the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit in Helsinki, Finland.
The President emphasised that NATO and the European Union must employ all practical and legal mechanisms at their disposal to enhance security in the Baltic Sea and to counter Russia's "shadow fleet". "The current situation calls for strong countermeasures against the threats posed by Russia in the Baltic Sea. International maritime law, including the freedom of navigation, must be balanced with the rights of coastal states to protect their infrastructure," said E. Rinkēvičs.
President of Latvia underscored the significance of physical presence and patrolling activities of NATO and its allies. "Given the escalating aggressive activities of Russia, it is imperative to reinforce the presence of NATO forces and capabilities in the Baltic Sea to deter and contain Russia. Latvia welcomes NATO's decision to conduct an operation in the Baltic Sea and will contribute to the NATO operation by providing a military patrol vessel," stated E. Rinkēvičs.
During the discussion on Russia's "shadow fleet", the President called for strengthening sanctions and the effective use of new technologies. "Sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet" must be reinforced, considering that these vessels not only cut cables, but are also used as reconnaissance platforms, bolster Russia's income to sustain its military aggression against Ukraine, and pose environmental threats. New technologies must also be utilised effectively, as demonstrated by the Joint Response Force, which employ artificial intelligence solutions to monitor Russia’s “shadow fleet”," said E. Rinkēvičs.
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The Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit is being hosted by the President of Finland Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Mihal. The Summit was attended by President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen.
