On 29 September, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, at the Riga Castle to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional security and current foreign policy challenges.
During the meeting, the President of Latvia emphasised the importance of France as a close ally of Latvia and expressed gratitude for France's involvement in strengthening the security of the Baltic States. In particular, E. Rinkēvičs expressed satisfaction with the Latvia-France Action Plan 2023-2027 signed during the visit, which will promote partnership between the two countries in various fields, especially education, economy and energy.
President Rinkēvičs particularly noted the potential for economic cooperation between Latvia and France. "We appreciate the active participation of French companies in the Rail Baltica project, and we see good potential for cooperation in the production of renewable energy sources," said E. Rinkēvičs.
The parties also discussed the support of both countries to Ukraine and Russia's responsibility for the aggression and crimes committed against Ukraine. The President emphasised that in the current geopolitical situation it was essential to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. The officials also discussed the situation in Georgia and Moldova and the position of the leadership and society in these countries regarding their wish to join the European Union.
