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International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Thursday, 28.03.2024, 16:06

Latvian and Italian MFA discussed EU’s future and migration-related issues

BC, Riga, 16.06.2016.Print version
On 15 June, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkevics, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Paolo Gentiloni. The Ministers exchanged views on preparations for the NATO Warsaw Summit, the security climate in the region, the European Union’s future, and migration-related issues, informed BC the Latvian MFA.

At the meeting of Edgars Rinkevics and Paolo Gentiloni. Riga, 15.06.2016. Photo: flickr.com

Edgars Rinkevics said he was convinced that not only the upcoming in/out referendumon Britain's membership of the EU, but also challenges faced by the EU in its southern and eastern neighbourhoods, including migration, will render the discussion on the EU’s future even more intensive in its member states. 

 

Disregarding the outcome of the UK’s referendum on European Union membership, it is clear already that the referendum will have a powerful effect on the further discussion on a common future for the EU. Whatever the result of the referendum in the UK, Latvia will actively and constructively contribute to the discussion on the EU’s future, and work on the shaping of a common EU policy, Edgars Rinkevics emphasised.

 

In the context of migration, Foreign Minister Rinkevics said that it is of vital importance to monitor migration flows along all routes to enable a rapid response should it be necessary. Latvia highly appreciates Italy’s efforts of dealing with the migration crisis, and supports Italy by taking part in the Frontex operations, contributing to the European Asylum Support Office and relocation of asylum seekers. The Latvian Foreign Minister noted that it was essential to implement the agreement between the EU and Turkey and that Latvia considers it to be a step forward in the resolution of the migration crisis. A voluntary approach is a vital principle for Latvia concerning the relocation of asylum seekers, Minister Rinkevics emphasised, and therefore, Latvia cannot accept the mandatory distribution scheme proposed.

 

Edgars Rinkevics underscored the interests of Latvia and the EU in seeing to it that the Russian Federation does not contemplate any further violations of international law that pose threat to security and stability in Europe. Minister Rinkevics recognised what has been achieved so far as the result of the international coalition’s actions against ISIL/Da’esh in Syria, Iraq and also Libya. Latvia sees the need for a greater coordination of efforts between the EU and NATO, Minister Rinkevics noted, and added that Latvia supports NATO’s decision to bolster the efforts of the Global Coalition, enhance presence in the Mediterranean, and strengthen cooperation with partner countries.

 

The Minister thanked Italy for its support in the process of Latvia’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and looked forward to cooperating within the framework of the organisation.

 

Edgars Rinkevics also expressed hope and interest that the President of Italy, Sergio Matarella, may come on a visit to Latvia.






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