Main task of our foreign policy is to safeguard our country's independence and freedom - Karins

RIGA - Today, Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) launched the annual meeting of the heads of diplomatic missions of Latvia, LETA was informed by the Foreign Ministry.

In his address to the Ambassadors, the Minister emphasized the main tasks of the Latvian foreign service, which should be paid special attention to and targeted with efforts on the part of diplomatic missions: strengthening transatlantic relations, cooperation with like-minded countries in the security policy field, European Union matters and promotion of foreign economic cooperation, facilitation of regional cooperation, including in the format of the Baltic States and Nordic countries, and coordinated action on issues of international importance.

“The key mission of foreign policy is to safeguard the independence and freedom of our country. In recent years, the foreign policy tasks have become more challenging due to the global security situation becoming more complex. What we do and intend to do in these circumstances: first, strengthen our security; second, build closer cooperation with the European Union and NATO; and third – on what we set to make an all-out effort this year – build and reinforce relations with like-minded countries around the world. Friends are never too many, and Latvia must help explain the real reasons for Russia’s war against Ukraine, namely, that Russia is guided by imperialist and colonialist ambitions. A thank you goes to our diplomats for their selfless work for Latvia – I am sure that together we will perform the task entrusted to us by standing on guard for Latvia’s independence and freedom,” Karins noted.

The Foreign Minister also focused on the matters of development of the diplomatic service, the dynamics of diplomatic work at the missions, and other daily issues of importance for the foreign service.

The Ambassadors are urged to continue working on the promotion of the country’s foreign trade policy and economic relations and the attraction of investments, which has already become a substantial part of the missions’ activities.

The Minister and the Ambassadors also engaged in a discussion on other international policy topics, including the enlargement of the European Union and NATO, Latvia’s representation in international fora, developments in the Middle East and its influence on global economies, as well as the sanctions policy against Russia.

At the opening of the meeting, the Ambassadors were also addressed by Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity), who emphasized that the Government maintains a clear continuity of Latvia's foreign policy, which is aimed at strengthening Latvia's security, maintaining statehood and the well-being of society.

"The Latvian Foreign Service has made a huge contribution to Latvia's accession to the European Union and NATO 20 years ago. Even now, we are at a crucial juncture where the Foreign Service is playing a very important role, advocating support for Ukraine until its victory, while continuing to isolate Russia and pursue a policy of sanctions against it," said Silina.

In her address to the Ambassadors, the Prime Minister highlighted issues related to the increase of NATO presence in Latvia, the NATO Summit in the United States in July, upcoming decisions on EU support to Ukraine, as well as EU strategic priorities, EU enlargement, the development of the military industry and Latvia's candidacy for the UN Security Council. She noted that the Foreign Service had also performed its tasks excellently in times of international turmoil, such as the Russian war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the Prime Minister's view, the role of the Foreign Service in promoting economic growth, attracting foreign investment and supporting Latvian exports is growing. In cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the Foreign Service should continue to work actively on this task, Silina believes.