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“We are not naive, but we must resume the dialogue with Russia to find solutions when necessary,” he told a news conference at the Latvian president’s residence in Riga Castle.
Macron emphasized the need for a strategic dialogue with Russia and emphasized that dialogue with the neighbor would not harm European history. According to him, it is necessary to look to the future.
The French president said he was aware of the historical relationship between Latvia and Russia, realizing that his proposal to initiate a dialogue with Russia raises questions and provokes comments. He stressed that this dialogue should not only be strategic, but also demanding, saying he wanted to expand it in terms of mutual transparency, understanding and guarantees of Latvia’s security.
According to Macron, dialogue with Russia will help combat cyber attacks more effectively. You also need to create a “security architecture” to build trust, but it will take time, he said.
While visiting Lithuania a bit earlier, E. Macron said that he understood Vilnius’ concerns about Russia, but said that cooperation with Moscow was necessary for long-term peace in Europe.
Mr Macron thanked the President of Latvia, Egil Levit, for the reception and confirmed that France will continue to be a friend and ally of Latvia, a reliable partner.
“As the geopolitical context changes, we will stand together with Latvia as a member of the European Union, as a NATO ally and as a friend,” he added.
According to Macron, France supports those who fight for freedom, and Latvia is fighting and continues to fight for it.
The official bilateral meeting of the presidents of Latvia and France is being held for the first time since 2001, when Jacques Chirac visited Latvia, Macron recalled. He said he came to Riga to get to know Latvia better, explain important elements of European and international politics, and expand cooperation in academic, cultural and economic fields.
Macron’s official visit to Latvia, which arrived in Latvia on Tuesday, will end on Wednesday.
On Monday, after meeting with Lithuanian President Gitan Nauseda, French President E. Macron said France would hold a transparent dialogue with Russia. According to him, peace in Europe also requires cooperation with neighboring Russia. According to the French leader, dialogue with Russia can make Europe feel more secure. On the other hand, E. Macron pointed out that Lithuania has a painful historical memory with Russia, so you will understand Lithuania’s position, ELTA wrote.
President Nauseda echoed French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that a strategic dialogue with Russia is essential if Europe is to feel more secure. The head of state agrees with the French president’s position that dialogue is always necessary, but stresses that to achieve a strategic dialogue with Russia it is necessary to prepare for possible disappointments.
“Yesterday I asked him over dinner if it is a geopolitical vision and if he does not see certain risks or factors in everyday life that could significantly hinder the implementation of this vision. He is realistic, he really sees Russia with his eyes open, but in all this geopolitical enigma, France hopes for a better understanding with Russia so that there is more peace, more mutual understanding in Europe and in this sense it can be supported, and I really do. support for. G. Nausėda said in Rukla.
However, the head of state emphasizes that if he decides to enter into a strategic dialogue with Russia, it is necessary to prepare for a possible disappointment, when, according to him, it seems that the efforts made are not bearing fruit.
“Dialogue is always necessary, but, on the other hand, we have to be honest and clear in order to choose this path, but there can be a lot of frustration on this path when it seems that the efforts we have made simply do not work, because this is the state it pursues different goals that are not compatible with our goals ”, emphasized G. Nausėda.
According to the president, “it is always better to talk than to shoot yourself or be intimidated.”
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