Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs today confirmed his country’s strong support for Kosovo’s journey toward the European Union. The statement was made during a joint press conference with Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, who is currently on an official visit to Latvia.
“I want to emphasize that I confirmed our unwavering support for Kosovo, on behalf of Latvia, and for its path toward the European Union and the continuation of European Integration,” President Rinkēvičs declared. He noted his own visit to Kosovo in March, where he met with KFOR soldiers, and where Latvia currently has approximately 140 troops deployed.
Rinkēvičs highlighted the strong alignment between the two nations: “At that time, with Madam President, we discussed bilateral relations, regional security, and I believe we are like-minded countries, we are on the same path and on the same page when it comes to many different issues, and I also confirmed that Kosovo’s security and foreign policies are fully in line with the security and foreign policy of the European Union.”
President Rinkēvičs described Osmani’s visit as historic, emphasizing its significance for bilateral relations. “I am very happy to welcome the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Osmani Sadriu, on a working visit today. It is a historic visit; during this meeting, we realized that this is, in fact, the first visit of a President of Kosovo to Latvia,” he stated. While acknowledging her previous visit as a Member of Parliament, he underscored that “in the capacity of President and representing the institution of the Presidency of Kosovo, she is here for the first time in Latvia, which only underscores that our relations, both political and economic, are developing quite quickly and successfully.”
