Slovenia and Latvia are in different parts of Europe, but they are very close

The Slovenian President's official visit to Latvia began with a reception with military honours at Riga Castle. This was followed by a one-on-one conversation between the two Presidents and plenary talks between the delegations of the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Latvia.

During their talks, the Presidents expressed their satisfaction that relations between the two countries are good and friendly. They also confirmed good cooperation in the EU, NATO and other multilateral forums. The two countries have several things in common: both became independent in 1991 and were part of an undemocratic system of government before that. Next year, both countries will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their accession to the EU and NATO. Slovenia and Latvia are committed to the rule of law, solidarity, multilateralism, human rights and the fight against climate change. President Pirc Musar said she was particularly pleased that she and President Rinkēvičs would be inaugurating the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the Republic of Latvia. The opening of the Embassy strengthens the deep ties that already exist between Slovenia and Latvia, and opens up opportunities for deeper and more comprehensive cooperation with the Baltic Sea region, including political and economic cooperation. Pirc Musar encouraged the Latvian President to consider opening a Latvian embassy in Ljubljana.

With regard to the strengthening of cooperation between the countries, they welcomed the announcement by Air Baltic that it would launch a new direct flight between Riga and Ljubljana next summer. Better air connectivity will create opportunities for closer cooperation in many areas, including tourism and the economy, said President Pirc Musar. She also expressed her satisfaction that the number of Latvian tourists to Slovenia doubled in 2022.

The talks between the Presidents also focused on the current security and foreign policy situation in the European neighbourhood and elsewhere in the world. The President confirmed that Slovenia would continue to provide assistance to Ukraine in accordance with its capabilities and for as long as necessary. They agreed that a lasting and just peace can only be achieved through cooperation and dialogue. Pirc Musar also stressed the need for EU unity. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the Slovenian President reiterated her strong condemnation of the violence against the civilian population and called for respect for international and humanitarian law. On the EU enlargement process, the two Presidents welcomed the EU's decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. In this context, President Pirc Musar also drew particular attention to the need for enlargement to the Western Balkans.

“Slovenia and Latvia, both green countries, are aware that one of the biggest challenges of our time is the fight against climate change,” said the President, welcoming in particular Latvia's efforts in the transition to green energy and the planned offshore wind energy project. She also thanked President Rinkēvičs for the solidarity and financial support provided during the catastrophic floods in Slovenia this summer.

Part of the discussions also focused on the problem of disinformation. In this regard, the Presidents agreed that we must fight together and with one voice to make society more resilient to lies and manipulation and to combat this challenge of our times.

The Presidents will inaugurate the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the Republic of Latvia in the afternoon. This will be followed by a meeting between the Slovenian President and the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia, and a visit to the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (NATO StratCOM) in Riga. The first day of the official visit will conclude with a gala dinner hosted by the President of the Republic of Latvia in honour of the Slovenian President. President Pirc Musar will also meet the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia tomorrow.

In the run-up to the festive season, the Slovenian President and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovenian Armed Forces will visit NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) mission in Ādaži. There, she will first meet the Commander of the Ādaži base and then the members of the 14th Slovenian Contingent deployed at Ādaži as part of the NATO mission.