I am happy to note that our countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations. We have an active political dialogue and practical cooperation in many areas.
Latvia supports Ukraine’s path towards the European Union and NATO. The EU - Ukraine Association Agreement and visa-free regime are powerful instruments for promoting and deepening not only our bilateral relations, but also relations with other friends of Ukraine in Europe.
In our conversation we discussed the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict area in the eastern Ukraine. Latvia strongly condemns Russia's aggression in Donbass. Regretfully, Moscow is not taking any steps towards de-escalation. The blockade on the Sea of Azov is yet another proof to Russia’s consistently destructive regional policy. Latvia supports strong EU position on non-recognition of the illegal elections in the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk, not controlled by the Ukrainian government. Latvia continues its full support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Sanctions imposed on Russia should remain in place until the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
Tomorrow I will visit the regions affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Latvia wants to help, and I am truly happy that while I am here, 15 Ukrainian soldiers are receiving medical treatment in Latvia. We will continue such projects in the future.
We will also continue a non-recognition policy concerning the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. During my visit I will be meeting the leaders of the Crimean Tatars. We are concerned about restrictions to the rights of Crimean Tatars and their persecution on the peninsula. International human rights observers must be granted full access to the Crimean Peninsula.
In addition, we repeatedly call for the immediate release of all Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and the illegally annexed Crimea.
My visit is also symbolic. Today, at the 85th anniversary since those tragic events, we commemorate the victims of Holodomor. The same as Ukraine, Latvia suffered from the crimes of the Stalinist regime. Therefore, we support Ukraine’s efforts to bring about historical justice and to achieve international condemnation of the genocide against the people of Ukraine. Already back in 2008, Latvia recognized Holodomor as genocide committed against the people of Ukraine.
Last week, all across Latvia, we celebrated the centenary of our statehood. Those were beautiful festivities. Thank you, Mr President and Ukrainian people for your warm congratulations!
The celebrations also remind us how difficult it was for my nation to safeguard our freedom. The strong will of our people has helped Latvia to become free, to develop and to return to the European family. Today I also see such strength in Ukraine.
