"In a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Rinkēvičs reaffirmed Latvia’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and its people as they put up resistance against Russian aggression. The officials discussed Ukraine’s accomplishments in the process of integration with the EU, current security situation, as well as ensuring Russia’s accountability for its aggression against Ukraine," said a statement from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I was glad to welcome in Odesa NB8 colleagues from Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Strong solidarity with Ukraine, continued support for our initiatives to strengthen economic flow in the Black Sea region and ensure global food security. pic.twitter.com/3FujsehuZd
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) April 28, 2023
Rinkēvičs said the EU should be ready to open accession talks with Ukraine as early as this year and praised Ukraine's ongoing reform program, even under war conditions.
"The steps taken by Ukraine in the fight against corruption and the strengthening of the judiciary deserve a special mention," said Rinkēvičs, adding that integration with the EU will require "great effort and scrupulous work".
With a view to this year’s NATO summit in Vilnius, Rinkēvičs expressed strong support from Latvia for Ukraine’s aspirations to eventually become a full NATO member.
At the opening of the Odesa Reconstruction Forum, Rinkēvičs affirmed that Latvia would continue to provide all forms of support to Ukraine. “Latvia’s priority in 2023 is support and reconstruction in Chernihiv Region. It is vital to ensure that Ukraine’s EU integration and the reconstruction process go hand in hand in order for the process of rebuilding to facilitate Ukraine’s becoming part of the EU”, Rinkēvičs said.
Latvia’s support to Ukraine to date exceeds EUR 508 million, which represents 1.24% of GDP.
