Rinkēvičs: Latvia and Albania responsibly contribute to NATO's security.
Latvia and Albania are making a responsible contribution to strengthening their own and collective security and defense within NATO, the development of the defense industry, as well as providing support to Ukraine, emphasized Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who met with the country's Prime Minister Edi Rama during an official visit to Albania on Friday.
As reported to LETA by the president's advisor Mārtiņš Drēgeris, the conversation paid special attention to the security situation in the Baltic region and the Western Balkans, as well as hybrid military actions in the Euro-Atlantic space.
Rinkēvičs highly appreciated Albania's position in countering Russian aggression in Ukraine, its support for Ukraine, and participation in the European Union's sanctions policy. In addition, the parties discussed opportunities to expand current cooperation in the defense sector and promote economic relations between the two countries.
The president noted that both countries are mutually supportive: Albanian forces are part of the multinational NATO brigade in Latvia, while Latvian soldiers participate in the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. Albania's readiness to host the NATO summit in 2027 serves as additional confirmation that Albania is an active NATO ally, Rinkēvičs emphasized.
During the visit, Rinkēvičs also met with Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Speaker of Parliament Nikollë Lesi. At a solemn ceremony, the President of Latvia laid flowers at the "Mother Albania" monument and visited the Museum of History of Albania.
In addition, Rinkēvičs familiarized himself with the work of the Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Albania and met with the Honorary Consul of Latvia, Sokol Kraja, who has been serving in this role for ten years.
