On Wednesday, 1 March, the Minister for the Interior, Māris Kučinskis, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ireland to the Republic of Latvia, Eimear Friel, in Riga.
During the meeting, the security situation on the eastern border was a major focus of attention. M.Kučinskis pointed out that strengthening border security, especially in the context of the hybrid attacks by the Belarusian regime, is also one of the priorities of the work, which includes the physical strengthening of the eastern border, the installation of a surveillance system and the modernization of the equipment of the border guards. Latvian services continue to continuously monitor the situation on the border with Belarus. The situation is still quite tense and the pressure continues. A particularly sharp increase in flows was observed at the end of last year. Taking into account the above, the state of emergency in border towns and districts is still being extended and is currently in force until 10 May this year.
It was also noted that Latvia has been implementing serious restrictive measures against Russia since the beginning of the all-out Russian war in Ukraine. Each case of potential entry is carefully assessed. Among other things, any wish to enter for tourism purposes is refused, and Russian citizens who are considered a threat to EU public policy, internal security, public health or international relations are of course refused.
Latvian and Irish law enforcement authorities mainly cooperate within the framework of international organizations – Interpol and Europol. The services of both countries cooperate on computer crime, money laundering, fraud and drug trafficking. Latvia considers cooperation with Ireland to be very active and productive. Law enforcement cooperation between Latvia and Ireland has good prospects for development and great potential for growth.
Prepared by:
Andrejs Vaivars
Advisor to the Minister for the Interior
Phone: +371 67829685
E-mail: andrejs.vaivars@iem.gov.lv