If Russia's aggression succeeds, it will have a negative impact on peace and security around the world - Braze

RIGA - If Russia’s aggression succeeds, it will negatively affect peace and security across the globe, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) said today during a meeting with Cho Tae-yul, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.

As LETA was informed by the Foreign Ministry, Braze emphasized during the meeting that Latvia and the Republic of Korea are like-minded partners in the security sector. ''Let me thank the Republic of Korea for condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and I call for continued support to Ukraine. Compliance with the principles of the United Nations Charter underpins the world order,” she emphasized.

From September 2 to 10, Braze is on a working visit to Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Republic of Korea. From September 8 to 10, Braze is visiting the Republic of Korea.

“Latvia and the Republic of Korea share a common interest of strengthening political cooperation and cooperation in economy, science and defense. The Minister accepted my invitation to visit Latvia. We discussed the development of the legal framework, in view of both the rising trade volumes and the increased number of citizens visiting our countries and settling there,'' she said.

“I have invited the Republic of Korea to join the Drone Coalition established by Latvia, as well as to send an expert to work at the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence in Riga,” Braze noted.

In a conversation with Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders group of global leaders and former UN Secretary-General, Braze discussed cooperation between Latvia and the Republic of Korea in international organisations, with both conversation partners highlighting the importance of an international system rooted in the UN Charter.

The Foreign Minister also met with partners to Latvian businesses who successfully operate in the market of the Republic of Korea, including representatives from Palleteries and Latvijas Finieris, the companies exporting high value added timber products to the Republic of Korea, as well as Hanwha, a company interested in Latvia’s defense sector. Braze exchanged views with the business people on their experience of entering and operating in the Republic of Korea’s markets, including practical matters and how the Foreign Service could help by using instruments at its disposal – embassies abroad, representations in international organisations, the network of honorary consuls, and cooperation with the representative offices of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.

Braze also met with Wang Yun-jong, Deputy National Security Adviser to the President of the Republic of Korea for cyber security.

In a meeting with Charles C. Jose, Deputy Foreign Secretary of the Philippines, the officials affirmed their mutual interest in strengthening political and economic cooperation. “Continued support from the Philippines to Ukraine, as well as standing up for a transparent application of international law, is very important to us,” the Foreign Minister underlined.

The Latvian Foreign Minister took part in a round table discussion at the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference co-hosted by the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands, where she addressed those present.

In a meeting with Park Jeong-woon, President of the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), Braze discussed further cooperation in education, especially in relation to the teaching of the Latvian language at the HUFS Baltic Studies Center.

At the Embassy of Latvia in Seoul, Braze met with the members of the Latvian community in the Republic of Korea to discuss latest developments in Latvia’s external policy and invite everyone to make their contribution to strengthening ties with Latvia.

The Minister met with local media, including giving an interview to newspapers JoongAng Daily and Chosun Ilbo.