Latvia closes representation to EU after blasts in Brussels

Latvia has closed its representation to the EU in Brussels following a series of deadly blasts that rocked the Belgian capital on Tuesday morning, foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics said.

The minister explained that the decision was based on security considerations. All meetings and EU-related activities have been postponed until further notice.

The foreign ministry has no information suggesting that any Latvians had been harmed in the explosions. There are currently several thousand people from Latvia residing in Brussels, which is also frequently visited by many Latvian state officials.

On Tuesday, two explosions rocked Zaventem airport in Brussels. A major blast soon followed in Brussels' Maelbeek metro station near EU institution buildings. At least 34 people have been killed and scores of others wounded in the blasts.

Latvia's top officials issued statements speaking out against the attacks.

President Raimonds Vejonis wrote his first reaction on Twitter: "Strongly condemn terror acts at Brussels airport. My deepest condolences to relatives of victims. We must continue the fight against terrorism."

Denouncing the attacks, Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis said "terrorism cannot go unpunished" and called for a moment of silence before Tuesday's cabinet meeting to honor the memory of the people killed in Brussels attacks. Endit