Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates calls on Latvia to recognize the State of Palestine

6/6/2024 - Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, urged Latvia to recognize the State of Palestine during a meeting with non-resident Latvian Ambassador to Palestine, Mr. Juris Poikans in Ramallah. She emphasized the need for Latvia to shift its stance at the United Nations from abstaining to actively supporting Palestinian resolutions. Dr. Shahin also expressed gratitude for Latvia's humanitarian aid through the UNRWA, highlighting its crucial role amidst ongoing refugee challenges.

In addition to diplomatic discussions, Dr. Shahin underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral relations across academic and cultural exchanges. She called for regular political consultations to bolster cooperation and appealed to Latvia to take tangible steps in endorsing the two-state solution, including full recognition of Palestine based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Ambassador Poikans affirmed Latvia's commitment to supporting Palestine's independence aspirations within the framework of international law and expressed readiness to explore new avenues of support.