Latvia’s Rinkēvičs welcomes Czech counterpart Pavel in Riga

The conflict in the Middle East should not overshadow the war in Ukraine, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said on Tuesday after a meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel in Riga. According to Rinkēvičs, Latvia and Czechia share a similar view of the situation in the region.

According to the Czech head of state, the Middle East conflict will have a direct impact on Europe and that European countries should discuss its consequences and seek a common approach.

The two leaders also discussed continued support for Ukraine, which has been facing Russia’s invasion for more than four years. Rinkēvičs praised Czech participation in the NATO mission in Latvia and the Czech initiative to supply ammunition to Ukraine.

Economic cooperation was also on the agenda, with opportunities for Czech companies mainly in security, defence and transport.

Pavel, who arrived in Latvia on Monday, will also meet Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. He is scheduled to open a Latvian-Czech business forum, visit parliament, lay flowers at the Freedom Monument and tour the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.