Today, Interior Minister Igor Taro met with his Latvian counterpart Rihards Kozlovskis to discuss cooperation in combating cross-border crime, especially drug trafficking. The interior ministers also discussed closing the Schengen Area to Russian former combatants who fought against Ukraine, as well as strengthening crisis preparedness and civil protection.
This is a logical continuation of last summer’s joint meeting of the Estonian and Latvian governments, so that we both have a shared understanding of how much work is required to fight drug trafficking and cross-border crime,” said Interior Minister Igor Taro. “Of course, we cannot avoid the topics of crisis preparedness and civil protection, because as neighbors we live in a shared security environment, and our number one security concern is the same – an aggressive Russia.”
Taro also added that we must stand up for the security of democratic Europe, and that for this reason it is important that more and more countries add former Russian combatants who fought in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to the Schengen Area “blacklist.”
In Estonia, we have taken the first step and imposed entry bans on 261 Russian former combatants. However, this is only the beginning – we will add many times more names, and I hope that our partners, including Latvia, will join this initiative at the earliest opportunity.”
Rihards Kozlovskis:Today’s visit to Valga and Valka once again highlighted the strong and trusted partnership between Estonia and Latvia in combating crime and ensuring public safety. Our cooperation has always been effective, but we are committed to continuously seeking new and innovative ways to strengthen it even further.
During today’s meeting, we discussed important initiatives, including the development of freelance police cooperation and enhanced civil protection measures. These efforts reflect our shared responsibility to safeguard our communities and respond swiftly to emerging challenges. Together, Estonia and Latvia remain dedicated to building a safer and more secure future for our citizens.
As part of the meeting, the interior ministers visited the Valga and Valka rescue units. The meeting took place within the framework of the Ministry of the Interior’s leadership fieldwork week held from 2–4 February, during which the ministry’s leadership met with municipal leaders and crisis committees in Otepää, Tõrva, and Valga; visited professional and volunteer rescue units; discussed amendments to the Weapons Act with the Valgamaa Hunters’ Association; and visited the War Museum in Valga. Accompanying the interior minister in Valgamaa are the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior and the heads of the Police and Border Guard Board, the Rescue Board, the Emergency Response Centre, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, the Ministry of the Interior Information Technology and Development Centre, and the Internal Security Service.
Additional information:
Kersti Ringmets
Communications Adviser
Tel. +372 5870 7538
E-mail: kersti.ringmets@siseministeerium.ee