The former head of the Latvian Foreign Ministry suggested that Riga play the role of mediator in the negotiations with Russia. Negotiations with Russia on behalf of Europe should be conducted by a representative of Latvia. This statement was made by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic Republic Janis Jurkans. He noted that in Latvia both the Russian language and the Russian people speak. "Latvia can position itself as a country that "knows the Russian language" and "understands the Russian people", and take on the role of a diplomat in the dialogue between the European Union and Russia," Yorkens noted, as quoted on the nra portal. lv. The former foreign minister added that Russia "has a say" in deciding who it negotiates with, and that Moscow would not want to talk to the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kalas. Jorkans also noted that Riga, acting as a mediator, could improve its position in international politics.