Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia, Legislation

At the meeting of Philip Hammond and Edgars Rinkevics. Riga, 22.05.2015. Photo: flickr.com

The ministers discussed the Eastern Partnership Summit and other issues high on EU agenda. The ministers were in agreement that the aim of the Eastern Partnership is to foster cooperation between the EU and its neighboring countries, and that it is no way directed against any country.

The Latvian foreign minister recognized that Latvia and the UK enjoy excellent relations both at the bilateral and the EU level and the positions of both countries concur on many essential issues.

In a discussion on the EU’s future, Rinkevics emphasized that it is in the interests of Europe as a whole that the UK, as an active member state, remain in the EU. The minister also pledged the readiness of the Latvian Presidency in cooperation with EU partners, including the UK, to continue efforts to improve the EU and make it better.

The ministers also discussed EU relations with Russia and the security environment in Europe. Rinkevics gave thanks for Great Britain’s active participation in the measures to enhance NATO collective security and for support of Latvia’s first presidency of the EU Council.

This was the Latvian foreign minister’s first meeting with the British foreign secretary since his reappointment after the Conservative Party won the UK’s general election in May 2015.