TALLINN, July 22 (LETA--BNS) - Minister of the Interior Igor Taro, during a two-day visit to Latvia, received an overview of the country's crisis preparedness, refugee policy, and the situation at its external border, pledging Estonia's support in the fight against illegal migration.

The meetings also focused on cooperation between Estonia and Latvia in combating organized crime and cross-border drug trafficking. Estonia also plays a significant role in curbing illegal immigration: in total, Estonian border guards have helped apprehend 133 illegal migrants on Latvia's border with Russia and Belarus.

According to Taro, Latvia is one of Estonia's most important partners in the security field. "Latvia is not only Estonia's closest neighbor but also one of our most reliable allies. The cooperation between our law enforcement agencies is practical and effective, based on mutual trust and common goals," the interior minister said.

On Tuesday, the delegation reviewed border security on the Latvia-Belarus border. According to Taro, the situation for Latvia is considerably more tense compared to Estonia, and the struggle to prevent illegal border crossings has unfortunately become routine. "The Latvians' experience in dealing with malicious attacks is invaluable, and our police colleagues benefit from it occasionally when we send our personnel to assist them during major malicious incidents. This cooperation will continue," Taro said.

As an important part of the visit, Minister Taro visited the disaster management center in Salacgriva, which is one of the first centers to be completed in a nationwide network being established in Latvia. The purpose of these centers is to consolidate rescue, police, border guard, ambulance, and other critical services under one roof to improve preparedness for natural disasters, technological accidents, climate risks, and security crises.

The meetings included an overview of the implementation of the joint Estonian-Latvian action plan for combating cross-border drug trafficking and organized crime. According to Taro, the action plan is being successfully implemented, and cooperation covers both strategic and operational levels. "Unfortunately, we face common challenges here, but we are certainly ready to continue our close cooperation."

In addition, the Estonian Minister of the Interior familiarized himself with the operations of an asylum center in Latvia and the services provided to applicants for international protection.