The President of Latvia stressed that the UN should be capable of resisting the challenges to global peace and development than ever before.
“Conflicts, poverty, disasters and climate change have contributed to the rise of large movements of refugees and migrants. 125 million people around the world desperately need humanitarian assistance,” indicated Raimonds Vējonis. He stressed the need to find sustainable solutions to ensure education, employment, and business opportunities for persons forcibly displaced during protracted crises and conflicts, and to provide support for host communities and countries.
As for the spread of violent extremism, the President of Latvia said that development of peaceful and inclusive societies, good governance, and respect for human rights would also help us tackle it.
“While military and security measures are necessary to combat Da’esh and similar groups, we need to address the root causes, which turn people to violent extremism,” admitted Raimonds Vējonis by emphasizing that fighting terrorism must remain a priority for global cooperation.
In his statement, the President of Latvia emphasized the security situation in Europe as well, and he noted that the stability and security of Europe’s neighbours in the East was a strategic priority still remaining high on the political agenda for Latvia.
“The international community must work to facilitate the peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. All parties must fulfil their commitments under the Minsk Agreements and make the Minsk process work,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.
The working visit of President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis to the USA takes place from September 18 to September 25.