Levits expresses gratitude for Slovenia’s significant input in stronger regional security in Baltics

RIGA - On September 28, Latvian President Egils Levits, who is currently on an official visit in Slovenia, met with Slovenian President Borut Pahor and discussed current priorities of the European Union (EU) and NATO agenda, security and geopolitics, LETA learned from the president's office.

Heads of both states noted that countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations and congratulated each other with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which is officially marked on September 30. Presidents of both countries agreed that active political dialogue is the way forward.

On the security, President of Latvia stressed the significant role played by Slovenia in enhancing regional security and within the NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battle group Latvia since its full deployment in 2017.

Levits thanked Slovenia for assistance in reinforcing Latvia-Belarus border infrastructure, which shows that Slovenia has a shared understanding of threats to the Baltic. President Levits and President Pahor both confirmed shared approach to Western Balkans and EU’s Eastern Partnership.

Considering that Slovenia holds presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of the 2021, both heads of state discussed its presidency priorities, such as Next Generation EU, future of Europe, rule of law, shared values, and how to make EU and its neighborhood safer and more stable. President Levits confirmed Latvia’s support for priorities of Slovenian Presidency, which Latvia shares. He also wished successful presidency.

On the Three Seas initiative (3SI), Levits and Pahor agreed that its Investment Fund is the key geopolitical and strategic platform for boosting regional competitiveness and cooperation in fields like transport, energy and digital communications, and Rail Baltica is obviously one of the best examples of such collaboration.

President of Latvia and President of Slovenia also exchanged views on COVID-19 management and came to conclusion that vaccination is essential in preventing the collapse of the healthcare system and ensuring continuous economic and education processes.