On Friday, 8 April 2022, Minister of Transport Tālis Linkaits met with H.E. Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia Oleksandr Mischenko to discuss the assistance that Latvia had already done in support of the Ukrainian people and potential further closer co-operation between the two countries.
During the conversation, the Minister emphasised that Latvia strongly condemned the war started by Russia and the unjustifiable aggression in Ukraine from the very first day. “Latvia, together with Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland, has been the initiator of imposing strict restrictions in the transport sector. Our country has implemented all the internationally imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus,” stated T. Linkaits.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the support and strong stance provided by Latvia so far and pointed out that any gesture of support promoted both the fighting mood of the Ukrainian people and the common position of the international community.
During the conversation, the participants discussed Latvia’s readiness to participate in the development of the Ukrainian aviation sector and ensuring international connectivity in air traffic after the end of the war.
T. Linkaits and O. Mischenko also discussed the reception of Ukrainian refugees in Latvia. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the openness and assistance provided by the Republic of Latvia and its people. He pointed out that Ukrainian refugees were ready to learn the Latvian language, to enter the labour market as soon as possible and to contribute to the society instead of just asking for help.