Latvia, through its Premier Evika Siliņa, expressed on Thursday support for Cyprus’ full admission into the Schengen Area. The Prime Minister held a working lunch in honor of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides who is visiting Riga ahead of the island assuming the EU Presidency, the first half of 2026.

According to a written statement by Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou, the Latvian Prime Minister expressed her gratitude for the cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus in managing common challenges, with particular reference to the Ukrainian crisis.

They also discussed issues of defence, tourism, shipping and in particular the challenges in managing migration and housing.

According to the statement, President Christodoulides briefed the Premier on the Cyprus issue, in view of Latvia’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027.

Siliņa expressed her country’s support for the efforts to resume negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue and conveyed Latvia’s support for the process for Cyprus’ full integration into the Schengen Area, it is added. President Christodoulides informed her in detail on the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency such as “defense and security, strengthening relations with the Southern Neighborhood and Gulf states, maritime security issues, migration, the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness” Antoniou goes on.

They touched upon issues related to enlargement and the need for joint action by the EU in major crises, such as the Israel-Iran conflict and the response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The working lunch was attended by Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, the Ambassador of the Republic to Latvia Solon Savvas, the Deputy Government Spokesperson and state officials.

Source: Parikiaki.com