Latvian leader praises Germany’s stronger defence role
Latvian president Edgars Rinkēvičs said he thought that Germany’s desire to assume more responsibilities in the European Union and NATO is a good thing, before a visit to the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
“Germany is a great European power and an economic center. Consequently, it is logical that Germany assumes a greater role in European security and defense policy. This must be welcomed,” Rinkēvičs told DPA in Riga.
The plans of the new German government to strengthen its armed forces or the Bundeswehr, which Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to manufacture the strongest conventional army in Europe, has also raised any concerns in Latvia.
“Germany has proven to be convincingly over the decades that it is a democratic constitutional state based on Western values. Consequently, I have no concerns,” said Rinkēvičs. “I fully support the development of the German armed forces. It is in the interest of the security of all Europe.”
More necessary joint efforts
Rinkēvičs is expected to welcome Steinmeier to Riga on Tuesday. In addition to what the Latvian head of state described as “very good” bilateral relations, discussions should focus on the safety situation of Latvia, a Baltic state on the eastern NATO side that borders Russia and Belarus.
“The biggest common challenges are, of course, the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the threat to peace and security in Europe posed by Russia,” said Rinkēvičs. He added that security, defense capacities and EU competitiveness should be “considerably” strengthened.
“We cannot manage this together and doing more than what we have done so far,” said Latvian president.
Latvia considers war on Moscow’s scale against Ukraine as a direct threat to its national security. The Government of Riga has therefore increased military spending, undertaken a significant rearmament, gradually reintroduces conscription and strengthened its eastern border against potential attacks.
For Latvia, Germany and other European countries, Rinkēvičs said it was important to increase investment in defense and strengthen military capacities.
Steinmeier’s 12thvisit
This marks the 12th time in his long political career that Steinmeier visited Latvia on an official mission.
“I have known Frank-Walter for a long time and greatly appreciates the opportunity to discuss any subject with him openly and honestly,” said Rinkēvičs, who described his relationship with his German counterpart as “excellent”.
The two politicians were once foreign ministers and are now heads of state in their respective countries. “This visit continues our regular dialogue – we meet practically every year,” said Rinkēvičs.
