Latvia to continue support Ukraine in carrying reforms - Rinkevics

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics has stated that Latvia will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine and share its expertise in carrying out reforms.

He said this at the meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze in Riga, the Latvian Foreign Ministry reported.

"Ukraine is a priority country for Latvia in the implementation of its development cooperation policy and in the provision of assistance. Latvia will continue to give help to Ukraine and share its expertise in carrying out reforms, as well as in dealing with the consequences of the aggression supported by Russia. Latvia is currently providing medical and psychological assistance to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians affected by the conflict," the ministry’s press service cited Rinkevics as saying.

He reiterated Latvia’s support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemned Russia's aggression in Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea.

"We condemn the decision by Russia to facilitate procedures for issuing Russian passports to the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk living in the territories outside the control of the Ukrainian government. On a number of occasions, we have called on Russia to release the detained Ukrainian servicemen and the seized ships. Latvia has also called for the release of the Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia. Latvia consistently stands up for a firm and united policy of the West on the matter of sanctions and dialogue with Russia,” Rinkevics said.

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