Kariņš met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, and the Speaker of the Estonian Parliament, Lauri Hussar, on his first bilateral visit abroad since assuming his new office a month ago.
However, a Latvian Foreign Ministry account of the meeting was short on specifics, preferring to dwell on the warm relations between the neighbors in more general terms.
“Latvia and Estonia are closest neighbours and allies. At this point in time, the deepening and strengthening of relations is also particularly important among close friends,” Kariņš said, confirming Latvia’s readiness to provide assistance to Estonia, if necessary, in repairing damage to the Balticconector gas pipeline and telecommunications cable.
"The officials of the two countries commended the Latvian-Estonian partnership in the defence sector, making a special note of joint military procurements. The discussions also addressed the issue of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The diplomats expressed strong and unwavering support for Ukraine, while emphasizing that a united position by Latvia and Estonia has proved its effectiveness in the European Union, NATO and in bilateral negotiations with partners," said the Latvian Foreign Ministry account.
"The parties agreed that it was a priority to effectively implement sanctions against Russia and to prevent their circumvention. The Latvian Foreign Minister underlined the importance of setting up an international tribunal to try Russia’s crimes of aggression," it said.
At the meeting with the Speaker of the Estonian Parliament, Krišjānis Kariņš again "discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the ways to strengthen them", it added.
Estonia's ERR News reports that Finland and Estonia will set up a joint investigation team to cooperate in the criminal investigation into the Balticconnector gas pipeline leak, citing the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NIB). Balticconnector is part of a regional gas infrastructure network that includes the giant Inčukalns storage facility in Latvia, which acts as a regional storage hub.
