Both heads of state also discussed the refugee issues that was so topical in the European Union currently. “Latvia has always participated in tackling common challenges for the EU so far; however concerns of the Latvian population and politicians about the situation are very well understood. Therefore, I have actively involved with that as the President of Latvia over the past two weeks so that a decision would be made in appropriate time. The decisions well-considered and compliant with our opportunities as regards such complicated and new challenges for Latvia take time,” said the President of Latvia.
During the conversation, the President of Latvia noted that the countries that supported the proposed solution were currently opposed to those countries that wished to examine that solution more. “At the time, when more time is needed for seeking more appropriate means of providing joint assistance to Europe, such contrast is very unpleasant for Latvia and other countries and it does not facilitate formation of the public support,” said Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia added that Latvia did not oppose to provision of joint assistance to refugees, however several facets of the problem should be taken into account: first of all, one should take care of the people who fled from the war and already had reached Europe; secondly, external borders of the EU should be protected more efficiently. “On our part, we are determined to strengthen the EU’s eastern border,” said the President of Latvia and he indicated that European countries should work together also concerning the issue of the EU’s southern border. Joachim Gauck said that the strengthening of the borders would be actively discussed in the EU in the next few weeks.
The President of Germany inquired about the options to reach the Russian-speaking part of the society with analytical and objective information. Raimonds Vējonis pointed to the work already done and outlined plans and ideas pertaining thereto for the future. He also thanked Germany for the active cooperation between the German public media and the Latvian public media, especially as regards promotion of professional development among journalists and creation of analytical content.
The Presidents also discussed cooperation in the field of education, where the German support in raising significance of dual education would be of particular importance to Latvia. Raimonds Vējonis pointed to the successful transfer of experience by highlighting cooperation among more than 50 involved companies and 20 Latvian schools. He stressed that the investment made was very important in order to raise the prestige of dual education.