RIGA - It is important that China stops supporting and "enabling the aggressor state" Russia in its war against Ukraine, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) stressed at the annual foreign policy debate at Saeima on Thursday.
According to the politician, Latvia continues to maintain constructive relations with China, remaining open to developing mutually beneficial cooperation. In the dialogue with China, Latvia will not shy away from addressing issues where positions differ significantly, Braze said.
Latvia, together with its allies and like-minded countries, believes that China, as a nuclear power, must assume its responsibilities, ensure transparency and fully engage in arms control mechanisms.
Braze stressed that the world is increasingly interconnected, which is why much has been done in the last year to strengthen Latvia's relations with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region, especially NATO partners Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Korea, as well as with India. The countries share democratic values, economic interests and a growing mutual interest in the security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic security space and the Indo-Pacific region, she said.
She mentioned that the resurgence of conflicts in the Middle East is another major security risk that will continue to influence the global agenda. In the past year, the hostilities and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, as well as the terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas and Hizbollah, have not left the Latvian public indifferent.
"Latvia contributes directly to the stability of the region through its participation in two international UN missions - the truce monitoring mission in Jerusalem and the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon," said the Foreign Minister.
She continued that the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of some hostages captured by Hamas gives hope for stabilization of the situation. Braze stressed that Latvia stands for the immediate release of all hostages taken hostage by Hamas.
In the view of the Foreign Minister, Iran is an aggressive, destabilizing force in the region - directly supporting Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, directly attacking Israel, supporting armed groups in the region, and continuing to develop its nuclear program.
"The fall of the brutal regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad in Syria is a warning to other dictators. It has significantly weakened the position of Russia and Iran in the region," said Braze, noting that Latvia will support the efforts of the European Union and regional partners to achieve an inclusive process for the unification and reconstruction of the Syrian state.
Africa is an important partner for the EU, the Foreign Minister said. She stressed that Russia's abusive, colonial activities in Africa - supporting violent coups and armed groups, stealing resources and escalating other conflicts on the African continent - also affect the security of the whole of Europe.
"We will continue to develop political dialogue with our African partners - both within the EU's common foreign policy, through bilateral development cooperation projects, and if elected to the UN Security Council," said Braze.
She said that we need to work globally to combat the network of Russian agents and the spread of propaganda - Latvia needs to be present everywhere to voice its vision, defend Ukraine and do everything in its power to isolate Russia and Belarus in international organizations.
That is why, as the Foreign Minister underlines, one of Latvia's foreign policy goals is to be a part of the UN Security Council in 2026 and 2027. In her view, membership of the UN Security Council will contribute to strengthening Latvia's security and sovereignty. It is also an opportunity to be present at the world's biggest diplomatic table and to participate in shaping the global agenda.
"It is an opportunity for us to significantly deepen our cooperation with our existing allies, the US, the UK and France, and to reach new ears and eyes, hearts and minds," the Foreign Minister said, stressing the need to reform UN structures, including the UN Security Council, where Latvia must be present, and not leave this platform to Russian disinformation and manipulation.
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