Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we are attending an important conference – the setting up the operations of the Register of Damage. This Register not only symbolizes solidarity with the Ukrainian people and justice, but it’s also a priority of the Latvian presidency as we strive to implement the decisions made during the Summit in Reykjavik.

The Register of Damage stands as the most valuable outcomes of the Summit, and it is crucial that we operationalize it as soon as possible. Today's meeting marks a significant milestone as we begin to make the necessary decisions that will pave the way for its operations. In the framework of our presidency, we hope to be able to provide all necessary assistance.

The informal conference of ministers of Justice on the 11^th of September in Riga, Latvia hopefully will serve as the inaugural platform for the Register's operations, and it presents an opportunity for the Executive Director to make their first public statement before the ministers, outlining the strategic orientations of the Register's work. It is here that we, if everyone will agree, could adopt the principles of operation and functioning of the Register of Damage, creating a systemic foundation for its operations.

In addition, on the 29th of June, in the United Nations Headquarters in New York, we will join forces with Ukraine, Lichtenstein, and Iceland to organize an out-reach event inviting the eligible countries to join the Register. Our aim is to facilitate the accession of these countries to this extended partial agreement by signing a political declaration, as we did in Reykjavik, during the ministerial meeting on the 11th of September in Riga.

I am looking forward to the outcomes of today's meeting, as it sets the stage for the next steps in the implementation of the Register. This initiative holds significant potential to bring justice and support to the victims of the Russian aggression, and it underlines our commitment to upholding the principles of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy.

Together, we can work to ensure that the Register of Damage becomes a reality, providing the necessary support to those who have suffered immeasurable losses. Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact and stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

Thank you.