Liimets invites Latvia to join cross-border vaccine certificates project
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets (Center) made her first official visit to Latvia on Wednesday and invited the country to join the coronavirus vaccination certificates scheme Estonia is creating with the World Health Organization (WHO).
"Over the past year, we have been in close communication with Latvia on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Estonia wishes to continue our efficient cooperation and prompt information exchange on fighting the spread of the virus. In the current situation, it is particularly important to preserve the continued movement of the residents of border regions," Liimets said.
She invited Latvia to join the project on cross-border recognition of vaccination certificates, which Estonia is completing together with WHO.
During her visit, Liimets met with President Egils Levits and foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics and discussed regional cooperation, the coronavirus pandemic and the new U.S. administration.
Delighted to welcome the new Foreign Minister of #Estonia @eliimets in #Riga, so much on agenda: bilateral relations, #EU #NATO #Russia #Ukraine #Belarus regional security and cooperation framework, Livonia sees the world eye to eye pic.twitter.com/R5Ub34ZLcH
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) February 17, 2021
Speaking about the situation in Russia and Belarus, Liimets said Estonia and Latvia must stand for the European Union having a unified, strong and realistic Russia policy.
The foreign ministers said it is important that a political agreement should be reached at the Foreign Affairs Council on February 22 on sanctions for human rights violations in Russia related to the poisoning and detention of Alexei Navalny and the subsequent crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.
Estonia also intends to continue to keep the situation in Belarus on the agenda at the United Nations Security Council.
The ministers also discussed European co-operation, including further relations with the United Kingdom and discussions on the future of the European Union.
Great first official visit to beautiful #Latvia. Discussions with Pres. @valstsgriba & FM @edgarsrinkevics on a wide range of topics: COVID-19, regional security, #RailBaltic, renewable energy, EU, NATO, Russia, Belarus etc. Close bilateral relations continue. pic.twitter.com/JJMHEzUbvV
— Eva-Maria Liimets (@eliimets) February 17, 2021
--
Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!
Editor: Helen Wright
