On 12 September, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mishchenko held a meeting with State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Andrejs Viļumsons.

The parties discussed current issues on the Ukrainian-Latvian bilateral agenda, further areas for developing practical cooperation, as well as common security challenges amid Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

Oleksandr Mishchenko expressed gratitude to Latvia for its consistent and principled support for Ukraine, including political, security, defence and humanitarian assistance. The Deputy Minister also highlighted the significant contribution of Latvia’s volunteer movement to providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine’s Security and Defence Forces and the population of Ukraine’s frontline regions.

The meeting also focused on coordinating positions at international fora, strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia, and further supporting Ukraine on its path towards a just and lasting peace.

The interlocutors discussed prospects for deepening cooperation in the security and defence spheres, in particular in view of Latvia’s leading role in the international Drone Coalition, as well as Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including Latvia’s efforts to implement infrastructure reconstruction projects in Chernihiv region, which was destroyed as a result of Russia’s aggression.

Particular attention was paid to Latvia’s support, in coordination with other Baltic States, for Ukraine’s accession as a full member of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue close coordination and maintain regular political dialogue on current issues of the bilateral and international agendas.