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On 13–14 July, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs paid a working visit to Paris (France), where he took part in the Coalition of the Willing meeting on the support for Ukraine and European security. During the visit, the Prime Minister also met with leaders of several countries, emphasizing the need to increase support for Ukraine, strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank and impose tougher sanctions on Russia.
“The visit to Paris once again demonstrated the importance of close cooperation among European countries at a time when security challenges affect us all. We must not support Ukraine merely to the extent that it can hold the front line – our common goal must be Ukraine’s victory. This means comprehensive military, political and economic support, strict sanctions against Russia applied without exceptions, as well as much more decisive action to strengthen European security. At the same time, we must strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank and increase the Allied presence in the Baltic region. It is important for Latvia to strengthen Europe’s collective security and maintain unwavering support for Ukraine. Only a united, decisive and cooperation-oriented Europe will be able to ensure long-term security and prosperity for its citizens,” emphasises Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.
The Coalition of the Willing focused on support for Ukraine in meeting its urgent needs, particularly in air defence. Leaders of Ukraine, NATO and several European countries discussed ways to end the war and solutions for strengthening air defence.
During talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, the European security situation, sanctions policy and the strengthening of the Allied military presence in the Baltic region were discussed. The Prime Minister called on France to increase its military presence in Latvia, while President Macron confirmed his readiness to pursue the matter. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to strengthen relations with several other European leaders. Among other things, during the visit, the Prime Minister held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and agreed to arrange a bilateral visit between Latvia and Germany in the near future to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, investment attraction and security. Meanwhile, in talks with the Prime Ministers of Malta and Albania, the parties discussed experience in attracting investment, developing the economy and creating new opportunities for growth.
On 13 July, the Prime Minister took part in a ceremony to unveil a commemorative plaque honouring the Baltic Way, the Baltic peoples’ non-violent resistance campaign, on Île aux Cygnes, an island in the River Seine near the Eiffel Tower. The unveiling ceremony was also attended by the Estonian Prime Minister, the Deputy Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas, the Mayor of Paris and the French Minister for European Affairs.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by his spouse, travelled to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and took part in the official celebrations marking the French Republic’s National Day, including an official dinner and the military parade marking Bastille Day. The soldiers of the Latvian Armed Forces also took part in the military parade.
