RIGA, July 2 (LETA) - Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, stressed Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, who on Wednesday met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who is on a working visit to all three Baltic States, at his residence in Jurmala.

The President's adviser Martins Dregeris told LETA that during the talks, the sides discussed the regional security situation in the Middle East and Europe, the possibility of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the active bilateral political dialogue. The President of Latvia welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran and the support provided by the US and Qatar in achieving it.

Rinkevics believes that Iran should cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency in order to promote nuclear security in the region. The President also noted that Latvia would continue to support and advocate European Union sanctions against Iran.

The President reiterated his solidarity with the people of Israel and condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel and its residents. Rinkevics stressed that Latvia continued to support Israel's right to self-defense in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. He stressed the importance of preventing civilian casualties.

"Everything possible must be done to immediately return all hostages and to facilitate safe and accessible humanitarian supplies in the Gaza Strip," the Latvian President said.

The President also stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. He noted that support for Ukraine was essential both for strengthening European security and for ensuring global stability. On behalf of Latvia, Rinkevics called on Israel to step up its support for Ukraine.

The sides also discussed the forthcoming official visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Latvia in August 2025, which will contribute to deepening bilateral political and economic cooperation and provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue on the security situation in the Middle East and Europe.

On Tuesday, Saar also met with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) to discuss bilateral relations, Israel's relations with the European Union and cooperation in international organisations.