Kyiv, 12 January 2023
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Edvards Smiltēns.
The Head of State noted the importance of political, defense and financial assistance to Ukraine from Latvia against the background of the full-scale war with Russia.
“Latvia is an example of immutable determination in the assistance to Ukraine. You perfectly understand the essence of the Kremlin’s regime and the scale of Russian threats,” the President of Ukraine emphasized greeting the Speaker of the Saeima.
In his turn, Edvards Smiltēns emphasized that his country would continue comprehensive support for Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine informed the Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia of the situation on the frontline and noted the importance of prompt decision-making by partners on meeting the key security needs of our state.
During the meeting the importance of the role of the Republic of Latvia as an advocate of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine among the partners in the EU and NATO was emphasized.
“I want to thank you for actively working together with other partners and uniting to achieve our common ambitious goal,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President of Ukraine expressed hope that such support of our state would help create favorable preconditions for Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO, so that it can gain membership in the organizations as soon as the conditions allow.
“I would like to express gratitude to the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, the President and the government of your state. We are grateful that you are consistent in partnership and extremely responsible in the development of our historically friendly relations,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance of Latvia’s decision to join the restoration of the Ukrainian infrastructure facilities affected by the Russian invasion: “We highly appreciate Latvia’s decision to participate in the restoration of the infrastructure of the Chernihiv region”.
Separately, the parties discussed the issue of bringing to justice all those responsible for aggression against Ukraine, war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as the formation of national and international legal mechanisms of compensation for the damage caused to Ukraine as a result of the Russian war.
The Head of State thanked Latvia for the warm welcome of Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homeland due to the Russian invasion.
Source – President of Ukraine