Smiltens discusses cooperation in defense industry with Ukrainian prime minister

RIGA - Justice Minister Edvards Smiltens (United List) met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi in Kiev to discuss implementation of Ukraine's judicial reforms on the path to European Union membership, increasing economic pressure on Russia, including restrictions on Russian grain exports, as well as expansion of cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine in the defense industry, the Justice Ministry informed LETA.

Also participating in the talks were Lithuanian Justice Minister Rita Tamasuniene, Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Maslov, and Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi.

"We had a very specific goal during our meeting with the Ukrainian prime minister. We must continue to increase economic pressure on Russia and reduce the aggressor state's ability to make revenue to finance the war. At the same time, we can cooperate much more closely in the defense industry by combining Ukraine's wartime experience with Latvia's capabilities to develop manufacturing. This is practical work for security of both Ukraine and Latvia," emphasized Smiltens.

One of the central matters of the discussion was further increasing economic pressure on Russia. Smiltens informed Koretskyi and Vysotskyi about solutions proposed by Latvia to limit the flow of Russian grain at the Baltic level.

Latvia's goal is to reduce economic ties with the aggressor state as quickly as possible and to prevent Russia from using the Baltic countries' transportation infrastructure for its export revenues.

The European Union has already imposed broad sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia, however, there are still certain categories of goods that have not been banned. Latvia will continue to push for stricter restrictions, coordinating its actions with Lithuania, Estonia, and other partners in the region.

The meeting also focused on the defense industry. Building on defense cooperation outlined in the agreement signed this past June by Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the parties discussed the next steps to enable Latvian and Ukrainian companies to jointly develop and localize production of defense technologies in Latvia, to meet both the needs of Latvia and NATO and to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Implementation of judicial reforms plays a crucial role in Ukraine's path toward European Union membership. Latvia, together with Lithuania, will continue to provide practical support for Ukraine in this process, including by sharing its own experience of reforms. A memorandum of cooperation signed by the justice ministries of Latvia and Ukraine provides for a closer exchange of expertise in the field of justice.

The officials also discussed further steps to hold Russia accountable for the international crimes it has committed, with particular attention paid to the practical establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

The Special Tribunal's mission will be to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, including by holding Russia's highest political and military leaders accountable. Latvia will continue to actively participate in efforts to establish the tribunal and advance practical solutions necessary for its operation.

Preparations for this coming winter were also discussed during the meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian government. The Ukrainian officials pointed out Russia's plans to continue attacks on critical infrastructure, which is why timely preparation and provision of necessary resources are particularly crucial. Latvia will continue to provide practical support for Ukraine, coordinating it with the Ukrainian government and focusing on areas where assistance is needed the most.