On April 19, 2021, Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkevych took part in an informal videoconference of the Council of Foreign Affairs of the European Union (EU), during which EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Ethiopia, EU-Ukraine relations and met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro video conferencing.
The introductory part of the meeting discussed the current situation in a number of countries, including the participation of EU mediation in resolving the political crisis in Georgia, as well as the situation in Myanmar and Mozambique.
The ministers expressed concern over Mr Navalny’s deteriorating health and called on Russia to provide him with adequate medical care, as well as support for the Czech Republic in deciding to send 18 Russian diplomats.
Speaking about Ukraine and meetings with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the EU Foreign Ministers acknowledged that the security situation has deteriorated in recent months. E. Rinkevych stressed that Latvia consistently stands for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He condemned the growing military activity of Russia’s armed forces and “people’s republics” and said Russia must stop the aggravation of the situation. The Minister expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts towards Euro-Atlantic integration, emphasizing that Latvia is ready to support Ukraine in implementing its reforms, as well as in combating misinformation. E. Rinkevych expressed support for the Crimean Platform initiative.
EU foreign ministers also discussed the growing situation in Ethiopia. Ministers discussed possible further steps to resolve the conflict in the Tigris region, including calls for an end to violence and access to humanitarian assistance. Ministers also stressed the importance of the democratic process and expressed support for the Ethiopian government’s plan to hold free and democratic elections.