On 14 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins received on an acquaintance visit the Ambassador agréé of the Republic of Turkey to Latvia, Ayşe Ayhan Asya. The Ambassador had arrived in Latvia on her accreditation visit.
During a discussion, the two officials reviewed current issues in co-operation of both countries, and noted positively the development of bilateral relations, as well as co-operation within multilateral formats, including NATO. Minister Riekstins reiterated support by Latvia to Turkey's EU aspirations. A proof to friendly relations between the countries is the intensity of high level exchange visits: on 26 February, the Turkish Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis is to arrive in Latvia.
Both parties confirmed their interest in maintaining an intensive political dialogue and an exchange of opinions both about the Eastern partnership countries and the Middle East region, in view of Turkey's recent foreign policy initiatives, which are being closely observed by Latvia.
On her part, the Ambassador emphasised the significance of the EU integration process for Turkey, and noted that the formation of a deeper understanding of principles behind the EU operations was one of her primary tasks while working in Latvia.
Ms Ayşe Ayhan Asya is the second resident Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of Latvia.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Turkey Aivars Vovers was accredited on 27 January 2009.
