The Latvian Prime Minister said that the conversation with Starmer was very important for the leaders of the Baltic states.

She mentioned that NATO’s Article 5 was discussed, among other things. “It is in force and operational, there are no questions about it,” said Siliņa.

The second issue discussed was diplomatic relations between the US and Ukraine, which nosedived after a now-infamous scene in the Oval Office.

“It is important that diplomatic relations between the US and Ukraine are improved, because the US presence is important for both Ukraine and Europe’s common security, both militarily and in providing the capabilities that Ukraine currently needs,” said Siliņa.

Siliņa stressed that the relations between the two countries are not simple at the moment, but it is in Europe’s common interest to promote transatlantic cooperation. “The Baltic states have always been very open to transatlantic cooperation, so our opinion was heard in this conversation as well,” said Siliņa, adding that it is very important that the US and Ukraine are able to cooperate, providing each other with what is needed.

The third issue discussed, according to Siliņa, was about Europe’s common security.

“Right now, there is no completely unified, one hundred percent opinion in Europe on all issues,” she said.

The Baltic states also expressed their unhappiness with Starmer for not being invited in person to the meeting in London of European leaders taking place Sunday.

British media had reported in advance that the Baltic states were unhappy not to receive an invitation, but the reports only quoted an anonymous ‘European’ source, suggesting someone – probably in the Baltics – felt their nose had been put out of joint, and wanted the press to write about it, but didn’t have the necessary conviction to put their name to such a complaint.

The British Prime Minister, according to Siliņa, expressed support and understanding, and assured her that the Baltic viewpoint would be represented.

 

Seen a mistake?

Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor

Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor

Tell us about a mistake