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

Edgars Rinkevics and Sauli Niinistö. Helsinki, 15.04.2014. Photo: presidentti.fi

During the meetings with the top Finnish officials, Foreign Minister Rinkevics discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation, especially when preparing for Latvia's Presidency of the EU Council. Rinkevics highly commended the sending of a second Finnish expert to Latvia to enhance expertise in the matters of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. As regards the Latvian Presidency, the parties also reviewed matters and cooperation in the drafting of the new UN development policy framework beyond 2015. Latvian-Finnish cooperation in the Baltic and Nordic format was also highly evaluated. Rinkevics called for strengthening that cooperation at the practical level.

Rinkevics and his discussion partners also exchanged opinions on the developments in Ukraine and the EU’s further action in relations with Russia. In regard to current Eastern Partnership issues, Rinkevics stressed that this EU policy needed differentiation in view of each partner’s efforts. It would be necessary to prepare a clear roadmap for the states that wish and are ready to come closer to the EU.

As they discussed the situation in Afghanistan in 2014, the ministers of both countries accentuated that a peaceful process of elections and the transfer of power was essential for the further development of the country. Minister Rinkevics positively evaluated Latvia’s cooperation with Finland in Afghanistan and expressed hope that it would continue also beyond 2014. Rinkevics also drew attention to the impact of regional cooperation, including with Central Asian countries, on achieving long term solutions.

During its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Latvia sees EU action in regional security as one of its priorities. Rinkevics indicated that Latvia planned to engage in the new Border Management Program in Central Asia, in which Finland has also expressed interest to take part in. The ministers agreed to continued close cooperation in the field of customs and border control, running joint development support projects in Central Asia.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Rinkevics also gave interviews to several Finnish media, including the country’s largest newspaper, ''Helsingin Sanomat''.