According to the Head of State, Latvia is one of Ukraine's closest neighbors and is well aware of all the challenges Ukraine faces today.
“I am grateful for your solidarity, unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, for your practical assistance in countering Russian aggression and returning annexed Crimea,” the President of Ukraine said.
The President expressed a conviction that his visit to Latvia would open a new page in relations between the two countries.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine, like Latvia and other Baltic countries, had the harsh experience in the fight for freedom and independence.
“Ukraine is winning its right to European future and paying a horrible price for it. We are grateful to Latvia for standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians in this difficult struggle,” the President of Ukraine stressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that they had agreed to continue the coordinated cooperation between the two countries in international institutions with the President of the Republic of Latvia.
“Today we have agreed to continue the coordinated interaction of our countries in the international institutions - the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, as well as in the formats of interparliamentary interaction, ” he said.
The Head of the State also recalled the iconic locations for the Ukrainians in the capital of Latvia. In particular, it was a monument to Taras Shevchenko in the center of Riga. The President noted that a commemorative plaque would be opened in honor of the UNR diplomatic mission, which began its activities in Riga in January 1920.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also recalled that a few days ago a Latvian square had been opened in Kyiv, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Latvian Republic.
“All this, in my opinion, symbolizes the closeness of our States, our sincere friendship and partnership. I believe that in the future our relations will only be strengthened and filled with new positive content, ” he said.
For his part, President of the Republic of Latvia Egils Levits stressed on the support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and the non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea.
“We support Ukraine in its efforts to stabilize the situation in the region (in Donbas - Ed.) And to establish peace in this country, ” Egils Levits said.
The President of the Republic of Latvia also noted that they had discussed the reforms of Ukraine during the meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “We appreciate the efforts of the President and the Parliament to implement reforms that will bring positive results and bring Ukraine closer to Euro-Atlantic integration,” the President of Latvia said.
