Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said he believed Germany's desire to take more responsibility in the EU and NATO was a good thing ahead of the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
“Germany is a European power and economic center. Therefore, it is logical that Germany plays a greater role in European security and defense policies. This will be welcomed,” Rinkēvičs told the DPA in Riga.
The new German government plans to strengthen its armed forces or the German government's plans, and Prime Minister Friedrich Merz aims to make Europe's most powerful conventional army raise any concerns in Latvia.
“For decades, Germany has proved convincingly that this is a democratic, constitutional country based on Western values. So, I don't care.” “I fully support the development of the German armed forces. It's in line with security throughout Europe.”
More joint efforts are needed
Rinkēvičs will host Steinmeier in Riga on Tuesday. In addition to the “very good” bilateral relations as the head of state of Latvia, the discussion is expected to focus on the security situation in Latvia, which is a Baltic state on the eastern side of NATO, bordering Russia and Belarus.
“Of course, the biggest common challenge is Russia's aggression against Ukraine and Russia's threat to European peace and security,” Rinkēvičs said. He added that the EU's security, defense capabilities and competitiveness must be strengthened “significantly”.
The President of Latvia stressed: “We can only manage this together and pass more than we have done so far.”
Latvia believes that Moscow's all-out war against Ukraine is a direct threat to its national security. As a result, the Riga government increased its military spending, held major regatherings, gradually reintroduced recruitment, and strengthened its eastern border to prevent potential attacks.
For Latvia, Germany and other European countries, Rinkēvičs said it is important to increase defense investment and strengthen military capabilities.
Steinmeier's 12th Visit
This marked the 12th time in his long political career, with Steinmeier officially visiting Latvia.
“I have known Frank-Walter for a long time and have taken the opportunity to discuss any topic openly and honestly with him,” Rinkēvičs said.
The two politicians were former foreign ministers and are now heads of state in their respective countries. “This visit continues our regular conversations – we meet almost every year,” Rinkēvičs said.
