The President's address to the UN General Assembly is scheduled for 20 September at approximately 20.00 (Latvian time).
According to the Presidential Chancellery, in his address, Rinkēvičs "will focus in particular on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the threat it poses to the rules-based international order, and will call for the restoration of justice by holding Russia and its agents accountable for the crime of aggression and war crimes committed in Ukraine."
The President will also participate in the US-Baltic Investment Summit, the Sustainable Development Forum Leaders' Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation, the Climate Ambition Summit, the UN Security Council open debate on Peace and Security in Ukraine, and the Summit on addressing the existential threats of sea level rise.
Wheels up for New York to take part in the annual High level UN General Assembly session, main focus: support for Ukraine and the condemnation of Russia. I will stress the need to reform UN Security Council
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) September 16, 2023
During the UN General Assembly, the Presidents of the Baltic States are scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and Polish President Andrzej Duda.
President Rinkēvičs will also hold several bilateral meetings, including with the leaders of Andorra, South Africa, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Rwanda and Tuvalu, to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation in international organisations, support for Ukraine, as well as to promote support for Latvia's candidacy for a non-permanent member on the UN Security Council for 2026-2027.
The President is also invited to attend a reception hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
On 21 and 22 September, President Rinkēvičs will participate in the "Spotlight Latvia" conference organised by the Latvian-American Chamber of Commerce in Boston and will meet with Governor Maura Healey of the State of Massachusetts.
Also making his way to the USA from 18 to 21 September is newly-installed Foreign Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, who will stay in New York to take part in the the 78th session of the UNGA.
"The Minister intends to participate in the meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers and in the meeting of the Transatlantic Foreign Ministers organised by the United States Secretary of State. Russia’s accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine will be highlighted while attending activities by UN Member States," said a Foreign Ministry release.
The Foreign Minister will discuss the priority directions of Latvia’s work at the UN with Dennis Francis, President of the UNGA 78th session. Meetings have also been scheduled with foreign ministers from various countries in Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Asia-Pacific regions to exchange views on the Russian aggression in Ukraine and strengthen cooperation in the bilateral and multilateral formats.
