From 4-7 February, the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs is paying a state visit to the Republic of Malta. The purpose of the visit is to meet with the President of the Republic of Malta, Dr George Vella, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta, Mr Robert Abela, and other senior Maltese officials to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as regional issues in Europe’s Eastern Neighbourhood (Ukraine) and Southern Neighbourhood (the Mediterranean and the Middle East). In addition, the meeting will address topics related to the enlargement of the European Union (EU) and cooperation in international organisations.
“Latvia and Malta have excellent bilateral relations. We have an interest in further expanding our dialogue at all levels. 2024 marks several pivotal milestones for Malta, celebrating 60 years of statehood, 50 years since the founding of the Republic of Malta, and 20 years of EU membership. Latvia and Malta are like-minded countries, making our cooperation crucial in addressing global challenges, especially amidst Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine,” President Rinkēvičs emphasised during his talks with Maltese officials.
During the meeting, E. Rinkēvičs stated that Ukraine's victory and Euro-Atlantic integration are in the security interests of all of Europe. He emphasised the importance of the EU providing Ukraine with all necessary support, as any delay will result in further Ukrainian casualties. The President of Latvia welcomed the European Council's February 1 agreement to provide a macro-financial support package for Ukraine totalling EUR 50 billion. E. Rinkēvičs also stressed the importance of continuing work on the comprehensive implementation of the 13th round of sanctions against Russia. "It is necessary to proceed without delay in executing the proposal to use frozen and immobilised Russian funds to rebuild Ukraine's recovery. We must continue actively supporting and engaging in the Ukrainian peace initiative," the President said. In his conversation with the Prime Minister of Malta, the President of Latvia stressed that Russian grain imports should be banned at the EU level. At the same time, the possibility of grain transiting through the EU to the Global South should be maintained.
“Latvia and Malta are bound together by warm and friendly relations, shared democratic values and a strong commitment to strengthening the rules-based international order. Our countries are separated by geographical distance, but we have a lot in common: our shores are washed by the sea, our nations overcame challenges to gain independence, we have created strong identities and we cherish our languages. Our nations have carved out their deserved place in the diverse family of the European Union,” noted President E. Rinkēvičs.
The President of Latvia acknowledged that recent years have brought a multitude of challenges for both countries – the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war against Ukraine, escalation in the Middle East and sustained pressure of illegal mass migration. Maintaining European unity and strength is critical to effectively mitigating these threats. President Rinkēvičs expressed his appreciation for Malta's active efforts as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to promote international peace and security, including a just peace in Ukraine. E. Rinkēvičs reiterated Latvia's candidacy for the 2025 UN Security Council elections. “We will be a principled advocate for the rules-based international order. We will work towards holding Russia and its leadership accountable for the crime of aggression and war crimes committed against Ukraine,” said E. Rinkēvičs.
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Like Latvia, Malta will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its accession to the EU this year. On 21 September 2024, Malta will mark the 60th anniversary of its independence and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Malta on 13 December 1974.
The state visit of President Rinkēvičs is taking place at the invitation of the Maltese representatives. The last state visit to the Republic of Malta occurred in mid-February 2004 when President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga visited Malta.
