Close cooperation between Germany and Baltics is increasingly more important - Steinmeier

RIGA - Because of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Germany's close cooperation with the Baltic countries is all the more important, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters at a press conference at Riga Castle.

Earlier in the day, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Steinmeier visited corvette Braunschweig at Riga Port. The German president emphasized that the corvette was one example of Germany's efforts to improve defense of NATO's eastern flank, as well as proof that Germany could be relied upon as a partner of the alliance.

German naval personnel have been deployed in the Baltic Sea as part of NATO Baltic Sentry operation, said Steinmeier. This is an important contribution to defense of the Baltic Sea and ensuring security of critical underwater infrastructure, said the German president.

Bilateral relations between Germany and Latvia are very close and strong, not only in security, but in a broad range of activities, said Steinmeier. Both countries are united in supporting Ukraine in its fight against the invader. Economics relations between Germany and Latvia are also close and strong - Germany is Latvia's second largest trading partner, added Steinmeier.

Commenting on economics, Steinmeier said that more investment in military industry was needed. There is also a need for more and better cooperation in production and procurement in order to boost Europe's military capabilities and reduce shortfalls in this area.

At the press conference, Rinkevics said that a wide range of issues was discussed during his meeting with the German president, including the security situation in Europe, the world and the Baltic region. Rinkevics thanked Steinmeier for Germany's contribution to strengthening Baltic security. He also underlined that Latvia saw Germany as an indispensable NATO ally in strengthening the Baltic Sea, the alliance and the European Union.

The two officials also discussed the NATO summit in The Hague and how NATO member countries would raise their defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product.

"Every time we meet we talk about how to continue supporting Ukraine. We certainly want to see both additional weapons and military equipment for Ukraine", said Rinkevics.

He also said that sanctions against Russia should continue. "We agree that the EU's 18th sanctions package, which also includes sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, is very important," said the Latvian president.

During their meeting, the two presidents also discussed the situation in the Middle East.