Rinkēvičs: Military actions in the Middle East should not overshadow support for Ukraine 0 7

Rinkēvičs stated that Latvia and the Czech Republic are close allies with a shared understanding of NATO and European Union issues. The President thanked Pavel for the Czech initiative on the ammunition program, in which Latvia also participated. The President noted that Ukraine received the necessary artillery shells at a critical moment and managed to withstand.

Pavel emphasized that resolving the conflict in Ukraine is important for the security of Europe and added that Latvia and the Czech Republic continue to support Ukraine in every possible way - militarily, financially, and politically. At the same time, he stated that pressure must be exerted on Russia to begin negotiations with Ukraine, adding that so far Russia has shown no willingness for a peaceful solution and continues to put forward unrealistic demands that would effectively mean Ukraine's complete capitulation.

Latvia considers Iran an aggressive country conducting an aggressive foreign policy against the countries of the Persian Gulf and supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine, Rinkēvičs said. He emphasized that Iran's attacks on countries in the region are unacceptable to Latvia, as they could lead to escalation. At the same time, the President of Latvia noted that Latvia would like to see a diplomatic path and Iran's abandonment of its nuclear program and aggressive foreign policy, thus allowing for the resolution of this conflict as well.

Pavel noted that the situation in the Middle East also affects EU security, and the European Union must continue to discuss its response. The President of the Czech Republic added that Europe is not actively participating in resolving the conflict: there have been no political consultations, and Europe is not involved in coordinating issues either from the US or Israel, even though the situation directly affects Europe.

The President of the Czech Republic noted that a possible format could be a meeting of presidents who would openly discuss specific solutions so that the EU and NATO could agree on a common position.

The President of Latvia thanked the Czech Republic for its participation in the multinational NATO brigade in Latvia, where Czech soldiers have been serving for several years. The Czech Republic is also involved in air patrolling. Rinkēvičs reminded that in the 1990s and 2000s, Latvian officers widely utilized Czech military schools.

The President of Latvia emphasized that the Czech Republic has a modern defense industry base that can be actively used to expand cooperation. Rinkēvičs also noted the need to improve military mobility between EU and NATO countries.

Both presidents noted the great interest of enterprises from both countries in developing cooperation in the energy, defense, and transport sectors. During the visit of the President of the Czech Republic, a business forum will take place, which will involve representatives of the business circles of the Czech Republic.

Pavel also emphasized the importance of contacts between people, namely student exchange programs and tourist flows facilitated by direct flights between the two countries.