French Foreign Minister: Europeans are capable of defending their territory from any threat 0 9

Barrot noted that France, along with Denmark, is participating in military exercises, thereby confirming solidarity with Denmark. He emphasized that Greenland is a territory of Europe and the security of the Arctic is inseparable from European security.

Braze emphasized at the press conference that the issue of Greenland is important in the context of transatlantic security. She reminded that during the Cold War, there was a significant U.S. presence in Greenland and stressed that direct dialogue between Denmark and the U.S. is the best way to address security-related issues.

Speaking about the war in Ukraine, Barrot emphasized that the main obstacle to peace is the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Barrot pointed out that Russia continues to strike at Ukraine's energy infrastructure with the aim of creating an energy emergency. The minister assured that France, along with its partners, will continue to exert pressure on Russia.

In response to a question about possible negotiations between Europe and Russia regarding peace in Ukraine, Braze emphasized that Russia has not changed its position and is not sending signals that it intends to abandon its strategic goals, which include subjugating Ukraine and revising the architecture of European security. If Russia demonstrates a desire to achieve peace through practical actions, Europe will be ready to engage in negotiations if necessary, assured the Latvian Foreign Minister.

As reported to the LETA agency by Braze's advisor, Signa Znotina-Znota, this is the first visit to Latvia for the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the ministers discussed security and defense in the Euro-Atlantic space, cooperation in the European Union and NATO, support for Ukraine's self-defense, and pressure measures against Russia, strengthening the EU and NATO external border, long-term EU budget priorities, and EU enlargement.

Additionally, the ministers discussed Latvia and France's cooperation in the UN Security Council, including an emergency meeting convened by Latvia this week in connection with Russia's attack on Ukraine using a ballistic missile, as well as an emergency meeting on Thursday regarding the actions of the Iranian regime against the people of Iran.

Both countries intend to deepen cooperation in the economy, defense, and information integration. France ranks 13th among Latvia's foreign trade partners. Over the nine months of 2025, the total foreign trade turnover between the countries amounted to 991 million euros.

Total exports of goods and services to France amounted to 602 million euros, an increase of 7.23% compared to the first nine months of 2024. In terms of foreign investments in fixed capital of enterprises registered in Latvia, France ranks 18th with a total investment of 125 million euros and 272 enterprises.

As reported, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. needs to acquire Greenland for security reasons, as otherwise, the island could fall under the control of China or Russia.

Denmark rejects Trump's territorial ambitions and stated that it will strengthen its military presence in its autonomous territory of Greenland.