On 15 June, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, 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.
Edgars Rinkēvičs said he was convinced that not only the upcoming in/out referendum on 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 Rinkēvičs emphasised.
In the context of migration, Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs 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 Rinkēvičs emphasised, and therefore, Latvia cannot accept the mandatory distribution scheme proposed.
Edgars Rinkēvičs 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 Rinkēvičs 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 Rinkēvičs 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 Rinkēvičs also expressed hope and interest that the President of Italy, Sergio Matarella, may come on a visit to Latvia.
Background information:
Italy has initiated a discussion in the format of the EU’s six founding member states –Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands – on the future of Europe from the perspective of the 60th anniversary since the signing of the Treaty of Rome celebrated on 25 March 2017.
Source:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
Communications Directorate
Communications Group
Tel. (+371) 67016 272
Fax: (+371) 67828 121
Email: media@mfa.gov.lv
Website: www.mfa.gov.lv
