On April 27 and 28, 2023, the E-PINE (Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe ) meeting of political directors of the Baltic, Nordic and US Foreign Ministries took place in Riga.
The political directors discussed issues related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the challenges posed by the war to the rules-based international order and transatlantic security, preparations for the summit of NATO heads of state and government in Vilnius in July, as well as relations with China.
The officials discussed the situation in the Eastern Neighbourhood, Central Asia and the Western Balkans region, especially in the context of the consequences of the war in Ukraine. The role of Belarus in Russia’s war against Ukraine was also discussed. Latvia was represented at the meeting by the Deputy State Secretary-Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andžejs Viļumsons.
Speaking about the sanctions policy, A. Viļumsons emphasized the importance of close coordination in order to prevent efforts to circumvent the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus. He repeatedly expressed Latvia’s position on the need to hold Russia accountable for crimes of aggression against Ukraine, including by establishing a special international tribunal.
The meeting participants agreed that it is necessary to continue military and other support to Ukraine. It was hoped that Sweden would also become a NATO member by the time of the NATO leaders’ summit in Vilnius.
