During her working visit to the Republic of Latvia, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariana Betsa held political consultations with Ivars Lasis, Deputy State Secretary and Political Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The parties discussed further political and practical support for Ukraine, coordination of efforts to increase pressure on the aggressor state, promotion of a just and sustainable peace, as well as support for our country’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude for the comprehensive support that Latvia has provided to our country since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The parties paid particular attention to coordinating positions on key issues of the bilateral agenda, regional security, countering Russian aggression and hybrid threats, as well as cooperation within international organizations. The interlocutors also coordinated their positions within the United Nations, particularly the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, taking into account Latvia’s important role as a member of the UN Security Council in 2026–2027.
During her visit, Mariana Betsa met with Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre. The two discussed countering Russian disinformation and other forms of hybrid influence, as well as the importance of strengthening strategic communications to bolster the resilience of democratic societies.
During a meeting with Agnese Lāce, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, they discussed cooperation within the framework of UNESCO, as well as preventing the Russian Federation from participating in international cultural events, particularly the Venice Biennale.
Mariana Betsa also held meetings with the foreign policy advisors to the Prime Minister of Latvia, Ivars Liepnieks and Salvis Dravins.
Meetings with the Ukrainian community in Latvia were an important part of the program. The Deputy Minister visited the Ukrainian House in Latvia and met with representatives of organizations involved in its activities. Mariana Betsa briefed them on the measures taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to strengthen ties with Ukrainians abroad, and also thanked community representatives for their practical assistance to our country in countering Russian aggression.
Special attention during the visit was given to issues of education and support for Ukrainian children in Latvia. Mariana Betsa visited the Riga Ukrainian Secondary School and the Edvarts Virza Educational and Cultural Center “Volia.lv,” where she met with teachers and students.