FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday met with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs at Riga Castle during the first-ever official visit to Latvia by a Cypriot head of state.
Christodoulides arrived at the presidential residence in the morning, where he was formally welcomed before holding a private meeting with Rinkēvičs, followed by expanded talks between their respective delegations.
In a message written in the castle’s guest book, Christodoulides highlighted the countries’ shared experiences with foreign occupation and their commitment to international law.
“Cyprus and Latvia have always been strong supporters of a rules-based international order,” he wrote. “From January 2026 onwards, our countries are expected to take on leading roles on the international stage.”
Cyprus will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2026. Latvia is set to serve on the U.N. Security Council and will chair the EU Council in the second half of 2028.
The Cypriot president also noted the close partnership between the two countries through more than two decades of EU membership.
Christodoulides expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and voiced optimism that the visit would further deepen bilateral relations.