On Thursday 17 May, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis participated in the European Union (EU) - Western Balkans Summit in Sofia.
Within the framework of the Summit, which was attended by the Heads of State and Government of the EU and Western Balkan countries, the EU support to the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries was endorsed at the highest level, and specific initiatives / projects were supported to promote regional development, closer cooperation and integration into the EU. The Summit adopted a declaration on the ‘Sofia Agenda’ - specific EU support initiatives in the fields of the rule of law, security and migration, interconnectivity in energy, transport, and in the digital area; promoting people-to-people contacts and improving the mutual relations between the Western Balkan countries.
In his address to the participants of the summit, the Prime Minister emphasized that joint efforts are needed to address the common security challenges, including hybrid threats.
“As regards the fight against hybrid threat, I would like to emphasize the role of strategic communication that helps to strengthen the resilience of countries and societies against misinformation, false news and propaganda," stressed the Prime Minister.
M. Kučinskis also said that it is in everyone's interest to have a united and stable Europe, and only by working together we can ensure stability and growth - this applies not only to the EU but also to the Western Balkan countries.
"Latvia is very well aware of the fact that reforms are a complex process, however it contributes to growth and stability in the long term, so we appreciate the commitment of the Western Balkan countries to implementing reforms," said M. Kučinskis.
The Latvian institutions and experts have already provided support to the Western Balkan countries in the key areas such as strengthening the judiciary and the rule of law, fighting corruption and promoting good governance. Latvia also supports and will further engage in youth and educational projects, and will continue to support the participation of the Western Balkans in the programs of Latvian higher education institutions.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv