Estonia will be first stop for President Rinkēvičs

Edgars Rinkēvičs' first foreign visit as President will be a short trip north to neighboring Estonia, he revealed May 31 an interview on Latvian Television's program "Today's Question".

Rinkēvičs pointed out that the President of Latvia usually goes to Estonia on his first foreign visit and he is sticking to this tradition.

Rinkevičs also admitted that the schedule of visits will cover the other nearest neighboring countries of the region, including Lithuania and Poland. These visits will most likely take place between July and early September.

The politician admitted that he also plans to go to Ukraine, where he recently visited as Foreign Minister, though the most acceptable time for such a visit will need to be agreed with Kyiv in advance.

The newly elected president indicated that foreign policy will be an important component during his presidency, but not the only one. "Foreign policy, security are very important factors, but also internal political processes will not remain unattended, visits to regions, negotiations (..)," Rinkēvičs said.

When asked whether a candidate from his New Unity party could be promoted in his place as Minister of Foreign Affairs, the politician said that this issue is up to Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš and has not been discussed so far.

"If they ask for my advice, I have candidates [in mind], I see good candidates in New Unity, Rinkēvičs said, while refraining from revealing the names of these people. 

As previously reported by LSM, on Wednesday, May 31, the Saeima elected the long-time Minister of Foreign Affairs as the next head of state. Presidential elections in Latvia are held every four years. The term of office of the current president, Egils Levits, will end on July 8.

 

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