On Tuesday, 14 February, the Minister for the Interior, Māris Kučinskis, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Latvia, Yasushi Takase, in Riga.
During the meeting, the sides discussed opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the field of internal security, as well as the geopolitical situation.
Latvia and Japan share a common perspective on the Russian hostilities in Ukraine, expressing strong and consistent support for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, as well as condemnation of the Russian aggression. M.Kučinskis pointed out that the war in Ukraine is a serious challenge to the security architecture not only in Europe, but in the whole world, and welcomed the fact that Japan also understands this and is taking the relevant position.
“A lot of resources are being invested in border protection to prevent various hostile people from Russia and Belarus from entering Latvia, as well as to stop attempts by Belarus to smuggle migrants from various countries. We are well aware that our work protects not only Latvia’s security, but also the security of the whole of Europe,” said M.Kučinskis.
Latvia and Japan share common values and understanding of democracy, the rule of law, free and fair trade, effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order. The relationship is characterised by positive economic dynamics, regular political dialogue, cooperation in international organizations and between cities, institutions and parliaments. Japan is an important strategic partner for Latvia in Asia, and relations continue to develop with the shared goal of a stable and secure Baltic and Indo-Pacific region that is economically developed.
Cooperation between Latvia and Japan in the field of internal affairs is mainly conducted within the framework of Interpol. Law enforcement authorities of both countries cooperate mainly in the field of combating cybercrime, for example in the fight against online fraud.
Prepared by:
Andrejs Vaivars
Advisor to the Minister for the Interior
Phone: +371 67829685
E-mail: andrejs.vaivars@iem.gov.lv