Baltic States – CIS, Latvia, Ukraine

The statement says that the two countries’ efforts are aimed not only at expanding bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, but also at strengthening Europe’s security and tackling the international community’s current challenges.

Latvia and Ukraine also strongly denounce Russian aggression in Ukraine which has resulted in the illegal occupation of Ukraine’s territories - Crimea and Sevastopol.

In light of the current political and diplomatic situation in Donbas, which has been brought about by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Latvia and Ukraine reaffirm the necessity for Russia’s unconditional compliance with its commitments in line with international law. For that reason, Latvia and Ukraine call for the international community’s increased solidarity with Ukraine.

The statement says that Ukraine highly values Latvia’s political support and practical assistance to the fight against Russia’s aggression and for the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Ukraine is also deeply grateful to Latvia for its significant support and practical assistance to Ukraine’s reform process.

Latvia welcomes and continues to actively support Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration. A successful implementation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement is an important task for both sides. Ukraine is showing progress in this process and is determined to carry on with its reforms, but at the same time, additional support is needed from the international community, especially European countries, to complete Ukraine’s internal transformation.

Both presidents praised the efficient implementation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement, which provides significant benefits to Ukraine and the EU. Latvia also backs a fast adoption of the necessary decisions on lifting the visa regime for Ukrainian citizens traveling to the Schengen Area.

On February 12, 2017, Latvia and Ukraine marked the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The friendly relations between the two countries are based on common historical traditions, as well as loyalty to European values and international law, according to the statement.

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko and First Lady Marina Poroshenko are in Latvia on an official visit today.