Outgoing High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, paid an official visit to Latvia, marking one of his final work trips in his current role.
Borrell met with Foreign Minister Baiba Braze and Defense Minister Andris Spruds to discuss regional security and the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a united front against Russian aggression and highlighted the need for faster and more substantial support for Ukraine.
Borrell also stated that the EU has a strategic responsibility to work more closely together and enhance its defensive readiness, reports Euronews.com.
Latvian Foreign Minister Braze, a former NATO Deputy Secretary-General, thanked Borrell for his unwavering support for Ukraine and his efforts towards peace and stability in Europe and beyond.
She also informed Borrell about her trip to Latvia’s eastern border with the EU and NATO, where she visited customs and border control points on the way to Russia – Terehova – and Belarus – Paternieki.
The minister underscored Latvia’s and its authorities’ tireless efforts to implement sanctions and prevent their circumvention through effective control at the EU’s and NATO’s external border.
While in Latvia, Borrell toured the Adazi Camp military base near Riga, where he met with commanding officers of NATO’s multinational battle group and soldiers from the Spanish contingent.
Borrell’s trip to Latvia follows a similar visit to Estonia on Friday, where he met with interim Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
She is also Borrell’s successor in the role of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Borrell also visited a military base in Estonia, praising the country for its defense capabilities and military readiness.
“Estonia is doing a lot, increasing its capacity and providing support for Ukraine – boosting its defense industry capabilities to produce more,” he said.
