Comprehensive EU-level solutions should be developed to restrict entry of Russian citizens into EU member countries - Rinkevics

RIGA - Comprehensive European Union-level solutions should be developed to restrict the entry of Russian citizens into EU member countries, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said during a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.

Yesterday, September 1, Rinkevics made a working visit to Athens to meet with the Greek foreign minister. The ministers discussed bilateral relations, Russia's war in Ukraine, energy security, the Western Balkans' issues, the relationship between the EU and Turkey, as well as cooperation in NATO.

The officials exchanged views on the war waged by Russia in Ukraine. The Latvian foreign minister pointed out that work should go on to sustain maximum political and economic pressure on Russia. Latvia supports the adoption of further sanctions.

Rinkevics praised the excellent diplomatic relations between Latvia and Greece, and he expressed interest in continuing dynamic political contacts: "Latvia and Greece being likeminded countries, we are interested in an increasingly closer political dialogue." This year, Latvia and Greece also mark the centenary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

In a discussion on energy security, Rinkevics welcomed the EU's decision to end reliance on Russia's energy resources as early as possible. At the same time, he pointed out that the EU should ensure alternative deliveries of natural gas in the short term while preventing new energy dependence on authoritarian regimes.

"Our long-term priority is related to renewable energy projects to reduce dependence on fossil resources in the near future," the minister underlined.

Other topics discussed during the meeting were developments in Eastern Mediterranean and Africa, and cooperation between the two countries in international organizations. Rinkevics invited the Greek foreign minister to visit Latvia.