During the meeting, the officials discussed a wide range of issues, paying particular attention to the issues of closer cooperation at bilateral and regional level, topicalities of the European Union (EU), and security in Europe.
After the meeting, President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis emphasised, “Latvia and Croatia are linked by active cooperation in the European Union and NATO based on common values. We stand for a united, secure, and prosperous Europe.”
Enlargement of the EU towards the Western Balkans region will benefit Latvia, as it contributes to positive change and is a guarantee of a stable and united Europe. Latvia advocates a clear EU integration process based on individual approach and criteria compliance. At the same time, Latvia is actively promoting closer cooperation between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, that is, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.
The President of Latvia noted that Latvia would celebrate 15 years since our country joined the EU in May this year. It is a great opportunity to assess the benefits provided by the membership in the EU and to discuss the issues that we still must tackle. The free movement of EU citizens and the single currency are among the major benefits for our citizens when joining the EU. Therefore Latvia supports Croatia on its path to joining the euro area and the Schengen area.
“This year will be a momentous year for NATO as well because we will celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the Alliance, the fifteenth anniversary of Latvia’s membership, and the tenth anniversary of Croatia’s membership in NATO. Latvia appreciates Croatian contribution to strengthening the security of the Baltic region by deploying its soldiers in Poland as a part of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia has pointed out that Latvia is interested in strengthening political dialogue and developing cooperation in culture and economics between the two countries. As Croatia is actively preparing for the EU Council Presidency in 2020, the President of Latvia confirmed Latvia’s readiness to share its experience with the EU Council Presidency.
During his official visit, the President of Latvia will also meet with Speaker of Parliament Gordan Jandroković and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Zagreb. The President of Latvia will also lay the crown in a memorial ceremony at the monument for the victims of the war, Voice of the Croatian Victims - Wall of Pain. In his turn, Raimonds Vējonis will visit the Zagreb National and University Library in the afternoon, where he will open the exhibition dedicated to the Centenary of Latvia “Latvia’s Century”.
To conclude the official visit, President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis will take part in the official dinner hosted by President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović in honour of the visit of the President of Latvia to Croatia.
