On 18 February, during a meeting with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron in Brussels, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis emphasized that the United Kingdom is a strategic partner in the European Union and NATO.
“We have excellent bilateral relations and cooperation in the area of security,” said the Head of Government of Latvia.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to David Cameron for the support in strengthening security in the Baltic States, "We are satisfied with the regular participation of your soldiers in training in Latvia and your active involvement in airspace patrolling. Only long-term international presence can guarantee security and stability in the region”. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom confirmed further support to strengthening the security of the region.
Regarding the United Kingdom’s referendum, M. Kučinskis stressed that “we want to see a powerful United Kingdom in a strong and united European Union”. During the discussion, he affirmed that the UK's membership in the European Union is very important from strategic, economic and political perspectives. In relation to the proposals for resolving this issue, the Prime Minister pointed out that they are ”good grounds for finding a compromise, and it is important that we reach an agreement in this European Council that is acceptable for all 28 Member States and does not restrict the free movement of labour in the European Union".
From 17-19 February, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis is paying a working visit to Brussels to hold meetings with the heads of EU institutions and participate in the European Council meeting. The European Council is held on 18-19 February, and the EU Heads of State and Government will focus on two main topics - the United Kingdom's deal and the migration issue.
Supplementary information:
Lita Juberte
Press Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers
Phone: 67082919; 28803639
E-mail: lita.juberte@mk.gov.lv
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: +371 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv