Latvian and Czech officials discuss opportunities for cooperation in strengthening of human rights

RIGA - UNSC Task Force, and Agnese Vilde, Director of the Department of International Organizations and Human Rights, had a meeting with Martin Pizinger, Director of the United Nations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, for a discussion on latest developments and closer coordination in multilateral cooperation, LETA learned from the Foreign Ministry.

In the consultations, a major focus was placed on joint efforts aimed at opposing in international organizations the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The officials discussed opportunities for cooperation in the strengthening of human rights, climate diplomacy and current processes in the UN such as preparations for the UN Summit of the Future in 2024. The Czech diplomats were also introduced to aspects of the campaign for Latvia’s candidacy in the 2025 UN Security Council elections.

The officials from the ministries of the two countries agreed to continue their political contacts and cooperation in multilateral formats to advance common priorities and achieve goals.

As reported, Latvia on November 9, 2023,  formally launched its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Membership of the UN Security Council would enable Latvia to defend the rules-based international system and democratic values, to assist likeminded countries, as well as to highlight issues of importance for the security of Latvia and the Baltic region, the Latvian Foreign Ministry said.

For Latvia to be elected, it must receive support from at least two-thirds of UN Member States, or 129 votes from among 193 voting countries.

The Foreign Ministry notes that membership of the UNSC will be one of key instruments in pursuit and protection of Latvia’s foreign policy interests, as well as making it possible for Latvia to expand the scale of its cooperation. This would enable Latvia to make its contribution to world peace and resilience – the goal also reflected in the campaign’s motto, “Together for Peace and Resilience”.

Since Latvia became a full-fledged member of the United Nations on September 17, 1991, a successful development of society has been achieved in the country. Latvia, having evolved from aid beneficiary to donor, actively participates and contributes to international processes, the Foreign Ministry said.