The two leaders outlined expanded defence cooperation and shared expertise on countering aerial threats. Their talks signalled new steps toward joint production and EU integration.
During a meeting with Latvia’s Minister of Defense Raivis Melnais, who is on his first foreign trip in office, President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the implementation of Drone Deal and Ukraine’s support on the path to the European Union.
According to official information from the President of Ukraine’s official website, the participants outlined prospects for deepening bilateral cooperation and exchanging experience between our countries in the context of close cooperation with allies.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Latvia for its support of Ukraine since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“We are glad that we can have Drone Deal and other cooperation between our countries, when we can share our experience with our close allies”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
The Latvian Minister of Defense noted the importance of Ukraine’s experience in countering airborne threats and stressed the mutual benefits of exchanging expertise in the modern security context.
“We have supported and continue to support Ukraine with training and our expertise from the very beginning. And now we ask Ukraine to support us, because in the world there is only one country that knows how to fight Russia, how to stop Russia”
– Raivis Melnais
Joint Steps and Directions for Integration
As part of the discussions, attention was paid to cooperation with partners within the EU, NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
There was also discussion about Latvia’s participation in the SAFE program, which funds joint weapons production with Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Latvia for active advocacy of Ukraine on the path to the European Union and NATO and noted that Ukraine counts on the earliest possible opening of the first negotiating cluster “Foundations.”
According to official information from the President of Ukraine’s website, on June 9 in Tallinn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs signed the Drone Deal.