“Ukraine’s true friend”: Zelensky congratulates newly-elected President of Latvia Rinkevics

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, congratulated the long-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, on his presidential election, Rubryka reports.

"Sincere congratulations to a true friend of Ukraine, Edgars Rinkevics, on his election as President of the Republic of Latvia. I look forward to continuing Ukraine-Latvia close cooperation and partnership for the benefit of our peoples, for the common victory of the values of freedom and democracy, peace for Ukraine and Europe," Zelensky said.

The president also expressed his gratitude to the former President of Latvia.

"Sincere gratitude to Egils Levits for the dedicated support for Ukraine in the face of full-scale Russian aggression," the Head of State wrote.

Zelensky also stressed that he highly appreciated the courageous visits of Levits to Ukraine during Russia's full-scale aggression.

The Ukrainian leader also mentioned the persistent efforts of the former president of Latvia to consolidate the world community to bring the aggressor to justice, as well as practical support for Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.

As reported by Rubryka, on May 31, MPs of the Latvian Seimas elected the long-term head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Edgar Rinkevics, nominated by the prime minister's party "New Unity" as president.

Rinkevics supports Ukraine and advocates the introduction of new sanctions against Russia and providing arms to Ukraine.

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Latvia actively helps Ukraine in the fight against the Russian aggressor. Military aid to Ukraine from Latvia has already reached 1% of its GDP and exceeded €300 million.

On April 21, at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, the Minister of Defense of Latvia, Inara Murniece, announced the decision to transfer all the Stinger portable anti-aircraft missile complexes available to Ukraine.

Latvia provided funds to reconstruct seven houses in the village of Yahidne in Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region, devastated by Russia's invasion. Latvia will also allocate €2 million to restore Chernihiv.