President of Latvia: We keep only essential contacts with Russia

Speaking on LTV lately, President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis described his country’s relations with Russia as extremely cold.

“Latvia supports diplomatic relations with Russia, and meetings of experts are held regularly. However, there is no active communications and will not be unless the situation in Ukraine is stabilized. In its relations with Russia, Latvia has a single stand with NATO and EU.  No thaw in the relations is possible until the Minsk Agreements are implemented at full. However, the cooperation continues, of course,” the president said.

Vējonis said they are currently working on demarcation of the border with Russia and regular meetings are held at the level of ministers. However, no one invites Russia to participate in large-format meetings any longer, he said. The Latvian president said he will not visit Russia unless the situation in Ukraine is stabilized.

It is noteworthy that speaking on LTV, Vējonis addressed an issue the Latvian people are very much concerned about – the arrival of refugees from Africa and Middle East within the coming months. This summer the Latvian government under Brussels’ pressure agreed to give refuge to 250 immigrants in its territory. Meanwhile, the president said, thousands of migrants rush to Europe via the Mediterranean and this problem is not likely to get a prompt solution.