Rinkevics spoke with Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu at the joint press conference held in Ankara.
Stating that he attaches great importance to the relations between the two countries, Rinkevics said, “Turkey is a very valuable ally and partner of Latvia in terms of economic and political dialogues. We have a regular diplomatic dialogue, and our political consultations continue. We continue our talks on the occasion of this visit. At the same time. Our contacts at the highest level will continue in the coming days.” used the phrase.
Pointing out that there will be elections in Latvia in October and next year in Turkey, Rinkevics continued as follows:
“After these developments, our cooperation and cooperation will become even more valuable. First of all, I would like to thank our friends in Turkey. We had a very good cooperation with Turkey, especially in supporting Afghan citizens in the operation carried out within the framework of NATO.”
Emphasizing that the two countries have a high potential for cooperation with the return of the tourism sector to normal after the Kovid-19 epidemic, Rinkevics expressed that they attach great importance to cooperation in the industrial sector.
– “EXPORT OF GRAINS FROM UKRAINE ALSO CARRIED GREAT GLOBALLY IMPORTANT”
Pointing out that Turkey plays a very important role in the negotiations between the United Nations (UN) and Russia and Ukraine on grain trade, Rinkevics said, “These negotiations have thus been concluded. Ensuring that grains can be exported from Ukraine is not only regional but also global. It was of great importance. We would like to continue our cooperation with international organizations as well.” made its assessment.
Noting that Turkey and Latvia held talks at the NATO Summit in Madrid, Rinkevics said, “We know that the decisions taken at this summit and the negotiations held at this summit are of great importance for the security of the Baltic region. We appreciate the role played by Turkey. It is very important for us that they will also be included in NATO. Their participation (to NATO) will not only change the regional security framework, but will also increase our security-related power.” he said.
– “THAT HAS HAPPENED ON EUROPEAN SOILS IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS, ABSOLUTELY NOT ACCEPTABLE”
Rinkevics pointed out that it is very important to maintain an open dialogue between the two sides regarding the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU). has not changed. But we hope that the relations between the European Union and Turkey will continue to develop in the future.” used his statements.
Referring to the influence of Ukraine-Russia on Latvia and the Baltic countries, Rinkevics said, “These events that have taken place on European soil in the past 6 months are absolutely unacceptable. As the Baltic states, we also have a very long and painful history with the Russian Federation. The steps taken by the Russian Federation in Ukraine are very similar to what happened during the Soviet occupation period, 1940.” said.
Emphasizing that they defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to defend itself against Russian attacks, Rinkevics said, “First of all, we are ready to provide all kinds of support to Ukraine in terms of refugees, financial, military and defense. Not only economic sanctions against Russian citizens, but actually Schengen.” Visa sanctions also need to be implemented.” he said.
– “WE ATTEND GREAT IMPORTANCE TO COOPERATION IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY”
Stating that they highly appreciated Turkey’s stance in the Russia-Ukraine war, Rinkevics said:
“It was very important to increase NATO’s presence in the Baltic states and Poland in general in the eastern bloc in order to meet their security with the security threats posed by Russia. We attach great importance to our cooperation in the defense industry (with Turkey). There is interest. We are of great interest not only in purchasing from the defense industry in Turkey, but also in terms of joint cooperation.”
Expressing that it is important for Turkey and Latvia to take a joint stance before international organizations such as the UN and to ensure food safety, Rinkevics said:
“I shared the latest developments with my Turkish counterpart. I attach great importance to his views. I also shared the developments regarding our own situation. It is very important that we, as NATO allies, take a joint stance and meet the challenges posed by Russia. “Contacts are being held. I also appreciate the information I have received. We must not lose sight of the great goal. We need to stay ahead of Russia’s attacks. We need to protect our common national and regional security interests.”