|
|
LATVIA TODAY: FOREIGN POLICY NEWS
12 - 23 May 2008
No. 30 |
HEADLINES
Highlights
President Valdis Zatlers on working visit to Ukraine
Declaration by the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland after their meeting with the President of Georgia
Riga declaration by the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland
President participates in the World Economic Forum in Egypt
President's working visit to Israel
Latvian Prime Minister points out the necessity of a common understanding on the CO2 emission quota system in the European Union
Latvia and Kyrgyzstan sign inter-governmental agreement
Declaration on Latvian-French strategic partnership signed
Maris Riekstins and Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Sejm stress importance of new member state involvement in EU decision-making process
Baltic and German foreign ministers hope for compromise on EU-Russia Partnership and Co-operation Agreement
In brief
Foreign Ministry commends Georgia's progress in achieving democratic elections
Foreign Ministry representatives establish contacts with Kosovan institutions
Latvia establishes diplomatic relations with Barbados
Presentation of credentials to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Brazil, H.E. Mr Artis Bertulis
President Valdis Zatlers on working visit to Ukraine
At the invitation of Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko, President Valdis Zatlers made a working visit to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, where he participated in the summit on energy security and matters related to the strengthening of the energy independence of states.
In his speech at the main session, President Zatlers accented the need for diversification in energy sources as a means to strengthening energy independence. The President also spoke of the common interest of states in particular regions when it comes to finding solutions with regard to these issues.
President Zatlers noted that Latvia strongly supports the continued integration of European and Asian supply systems and the development of reliable transport corridors.
The President also offered an analysis the role of Russia and its place in the energy market to date.
President Zatlers noted that successful examples should encourage countries to work for new alternatives in a north-western direction as well. "Latvia considers the project to extend the Odessa-Brody pipeline an important step towards achieving this goal," President Zatlers said. "I would like to emphasize the role of Ukraine as a transit country, supplies from Central Asia being closely intertwined with the transparency and efficiency of the transit infrastructure in Ukraine." Dr. Zatlers noted that the transport of gas should be developed as dynamically as that of oil.
At the close of the summit, the President underscored the importance of all involved parties - governments and businesses - focusing on the future development of the energy market and its diversification, including the opening of isolated markets like that in the Baltic states.
This is already the third summit on energy since the Cracow and Vilnius summits. Participants included Presidents Ilves, Yushchenko, Saakashvili, Adamkus and Kaczyński of Estonia, Ukraine, Georgia, Lithuania, and Poland, Presidents Nazarbayev and Aliyev of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, Andris Piebalgs, the Energy Commissioner of the European Commission, and high-level representatives from the United States, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Read
President's Chancery, 23 May 2008
Declaration by the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland after their meeting with the President of Georgia, 23 May 2008
Riga declaration by the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland
The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland congratulate Georgia on passing its 'democracy exam' by holding free and competitive Parliamentary elections. Initial reports confirm that the elections in Georgia were conducted generally in accordance with the international norms, Unified Electoral Code and rules and procedures elaborated by the Central Election Commission of Georgia, and reflected the will of the Georgian people. The Presidents welcome the high rate of participation as a proof of democratic maturity of the people of Georgia.
The transparency of the election process was ensured by the large international presence. Numerous observers from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as well as other international observers in various regions of Georgia reported no essential irregularities.
Georgia has proved that it has strong democratic ideals. The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland will continue to deepen the intensified dialogue with Georgia and support efforts towards the integration of Georgia to the Euro Atlantic structures.
The Presidents also expressed their full support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within internationally recognized borders and called on the Russian Federation to respect its international obligations and to avoid taking steps towards a destabilizing of the situation in Georgia and the region.
The Heads of States, while gathered together in Riga, took note of the Bucharest NATO Declaration and reaffirmed their readiness to continue to work towards the full membership of Georgia and Ukraine in NATO and for granting a NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) at the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in December.
Read
President's Chancery, 22 May 2008
President participates in the World Economic Forum in Egypt
President Valdis Zatlers began a working visit to Egypt, participating in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East at Sharm el-Sheikh. The President also held bilateral talks with Hosni Mubarak, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The topics for the bilateral talks included the prospects for developing closer ties between Latvia and Egypt. Both presidents evaluated the present cultural relations and co-operation in education as positive, acknowledging the significance of Latvian Egyptologists in studying the Pyramid of Cheops and other archaeological sites as well as the importance of ties between institutions of higher learning.
President Zatlers urged the intensification of relations in tourism and higher education and an increase in the transit of goods. Both heads of state agreed that the relevant government ministries in both countries will have a major role in concluding agreements for co-operation in the various and different spheres.
The presidents also discussed co-operation between Latvia and Egypt in the context of multilateral ties.
Continuing his working visit to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, President Zatlers participated in The Power of Popular Collaboration panel discussion of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East 2008.
The discussion was devoted to modelling future international policy and business scenarios, and to their analysis with reference to past global crises and the lessons that can be drawn from them, as well as the causes and possible effects of current global threats. Discussion focused on access to information and its impact on future economic development.
Addressing the participants, President Zatlers spoke of Latvia's experience with regard to the free flow of information, citing a series of positive changes in both the economy and governance since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the restoration of Latvia's independence, that were possible only due to freedom of information.
Speaking of scenarios for the development of the Middle East, the President underscored the opportunities for development and the human potential that could be harnessed "if only the gates of information and knowledge were opened wider."
Read | Other link
President's Chancery, 18 - 20 May 2008
President's working visit to Israel
President Valdis Zatlers was on a working visit to Israel at the invitation of President Shimon Peres. Latvia's President was participating in a conference in Jerusalem to mark Israel's sixtieth birthday. Dr. Zatlers also had a series of important bilateral meetings.
President Zatlers met with Israeli leaders, including President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
The discussion with President Peres centred on future co-operation in culture and education, with especial emphasis on facilitating an understanding of history. Latvia's President emphasized the importance of Israel's anniversary of statehood in modern history and spoke of the role of the Jewish minority in Latvia in different periods. The two presidents also discussed future support by both governments for the strengthening of the Jewish community's identity in Latvia and the preservation of Jewish cultural treasures in the country. Both heads of state were in agreement with regard to the intensification of cultural relations between Israel and Latvia and on the importance of strengthening these ties to the relationship between both states.
The two Presidents also discussed economic relations, underscoring the need for increased co-operation between the business communities in both countries. The heads of state agreed that the volume of both imports and exports between Israel and Latvia could triple in the next few years.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Olmert, President Zatlers spoke of several aspects in bilateral relations, with an emphasis on cultural ties and co-operation in education. They also discussed the investment climate in Latvia and spheres in which economic ties could be improved. President Zatlers expressed his hope that the Middle East peace process will bear fruit.
Later in the day, President Zatlers participated in the main session of the Presidents Discuss Tomorrow conference.
Latvia's President also held bilateral talks with the leaders of other European nations, including Dr. Danilo Türk of Slovenia, which currently holds the EU presidency. They discussed current European affairs, including the prospects for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, as well as Slovenia's foreign policy priorities during its presidency. Mssrs Türk and Zatlers also discussed the need for a common EU position in dialogue with the Russian Federation.
President Zatlers also met with Viktor Yushchenko, the President of Ukraine, to discuss his forthcoming visit to Ukraine as well as the prospects for improving bilateral ties.
Meeting with Lech Kaczyński, the President of the Republic of Poland, the focus was on the possibility of reaching a common European position on issues related to Georgia.
Read
President's Chancery, 13 May 2008
Latvian Prime Minister points out the necessity of a common understanding on the CO2 emission quota system in the European Union
On 22 May 2008, Ivars Godmanis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, visited Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic. He participated in a multi-lateral meeting and at a working dinner hosted by Mirek Topolanek, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, within the meeting of the European Nuclear Energy Forum taking place in Prague.
A meeting between the Czech Prime Minister and the Prime Ministers of the three Baltic States took place in Prague, as well as another meeting with more participants, including Heads of Government of the Vishegrad Group states, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso. This was the first meeting at such level.
The focus of the meetings was on energy - energy security, independence and future perspectives. The main aspects addressed were reduction of CO2 emissions, increased use of renewable energy and international co-operation in the area of energy. The Heads of Government emphasised that such co-operation is needed in the area of IT and in establishing interconnections among European countries in order to promote energy independence.
Ivars Godmanis noted that "it is necessary to further discuss in what way the CO2 emission reduction targets and the targets for increasing the share of renewable energy in the total consumption of energy can be achieved. In case of any deviations from the objective, all activities should be assessed from the point of view of national energy audits and the development of national economies. This should be a European-scale discussion." The Prime Minister stressed that in Latvia the current share of renewable energy accounts for 34% but by 2020 its should be increased up to 42% which is high figure.
During the meeting between the Latvian Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission, Ivars Godmanis emphasised that CO2 emission quotas is of special importance for the new EU Member States. "Today it is necessary to understand that the acquisition of additional CO2 emission quotas would cause impacts on energy prices. Thus, the priorities concerning environmental protection should be considered in the context of the necessity to develop the energy sector and production," Ivars Godmanis said.
The officials also discussed the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty and practical matters related to the new posts. Concerning the Neighbourhood Policy, the Heads of Government paid special attention to the energy sector in relation to exchange of technical knowledge and skills and to the establishment of interconnections.
Read | Other link
State Chancellery, 23 May 2008
Latvia and Kyrgyzstan sign inter-governmental agreement
On 22 May 2008, Ivars Godmanis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, held a meeting with Prime Minister Igor Tchudikov of Kyrgyzstan. During the meeting both Heads of Government signed the inter-governmental agreement which would strengthen economic co-operation of Latvia and Kyrgyzstan. Both Mr Godmanis and Mr Tchudinov also discussed future opportunities for economic co-operation.
The Prime Ministers signed the agreement on the protection of investments and ratified the inter-governmental agreement on air traffic. An inter-governmental committee will continue its work on this agreement. Ivars Godmanis advised that starting from 1 January 2009 both countries will enforce the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation of income taxes. Another agreement on co-operation in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking is being drafted.
Prime Minister Godmanis noted that "currently practical economic co-operation of Latvia and Kyrgyzstan is not very extensive but it has a great development potential." Ivars Godmanis singled out such important areas as trade, tourism and co-operation in the area of water management.
Both sides stressed that direct flights between Rīga and Bishkek is a significant pre-condition for closer co-operation in order to ensure the residents of Kyrgyzstan an opportunity to use Rīga as a gateway to other European countries.
The Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan emphasised that both countries show mutual respect and confidence in their relations and that the vision on future co-operation perspectives is similar. Igor Tchudinov expressed his gratitude for the considerable increase in trade volumes with Latvia and urged Latvian businesses to participate in the development process of Kyrgyzstan's tourism industry. The Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan noted the European programmes for co-operation with the countries of Central and East Asia.
Both sides acknowledged the work of the business forum of Latvia and Kyrgyzstan and shared the view that this meeting would considerably promote business contacts of both countries.
Read | Other link
State Chancellery, 22 May 2008
MFA, 22 May 2008
Declaration on Latvian-French strategic partnership signed
On 23 May, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia met François Fillon, Prime Minister of the French Republic.
During the meeting, a political declaration on strategic partnership between Latvia and France was signed. Prime Minister Godmanis emphasised that the signing of this declaration will activate co-operation between both countries in the areas of internal and external security, as well as in culture and science.
The French Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome to Latvia and expressed his conviction that signing of the strategic partnership declaration will facilitate relations between both countries with regard to their priority areas - energy, economics, security policy, as well as relations with Russia.
During the meeting, the French Prime Minister spoke about the upcoming presidency of France in the European Union and its priorities - energy and the fight against global warming, on immigration policy, on the reform of
the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as on the European defence policy.
Prime Minister Godmanis informed the French Prime Minister about the meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic and Visegrad States and José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission, which took place in the Czech republic on 22 May, and focused on energy security and further development issues. Mr Godmanis also noted that Latvia and France share a significant potential of economic co-operation, and the Latvian Government has already made particular progress towards the influx of French investments into Latvia.
Read | Other link
State Chancellery, 23 May 2008
MFA, 22 May 2008
Maris Riekstins and Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Sejm stress importance of new member state involvement in EU decision-making process
On 21 May at meeting with Krzysztof Lisek, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins examined the development of political dialogue in Latvia-Poland relations, current EU issues, including the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon, and the forthcoming summit of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in Riga from 3 to 4 June.
Minister Riekstins noted with satisfaction that bilateral relations between the two states are intensive and advanced in many areas. This is also evident from the anticipated meeting of Baltic and Polish presidents in Riga on 22 May and from the active collaboration between both governments and parliaments. "Not only is active bilateral co-operation crucial, but also the involvement of both states in the EU decision-making process," noted Mr Riekstins, mentioning the joint visit to Tbilisi on 12 May by the foreign ministers of a number of EU member states, including Latvia and Poland.
Chairman Lisek was of one opinion with the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs that the issue of the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty presents many unanswered and open questions, for instance, co-ordination of the work of the President, High Representative, and the President of the European Commission, the balance of competencies of institutions, and the functions of the European External Action Service.
As part of his familiarisation visit to Latvia, Mr Lisek also met with Gundars Daudze, the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima, with Andris Berzins, Chair of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, and with Vaira Paegle, Chair of the Saeima European Affairs Committee.
Read
MFA, 21 May 2008
Baltic and German foreign ministers hope for compromise on EU-Russia Partnership and Co-operation Agreement
On 20 May 2008, the regular political consultations of Baltic and German ministers of foreign affairs to discuss current foreign policy developments were held in Riga at the invitation of Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins. Participating in the consultations were Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Petras Vaitiekunas, and German Federal Foreign Minister Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
One of the topics of the meeting was the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the various national parliaments and its implementation. Minister Riekstins hoped that the ratification process in the rest of the EU member states would be successful. The ministers discussed the developments in the Western Balkans in relation to the recent parliamentary elections in Serbia and the situation in Kosovo.
The discussions included the question of regional co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region. German Foreign Minister Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier considered the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) to be a successful format of co-operation in which its member states can discuss regionally important issues. Mr Steinmeier assessed Latvia's work during its CBSS presidency positively and noted that the initial progress regarding further development of the organisation's reforms is being made with success. The ministers discussed matters related to the forthcoming CBSS Summit in Riga on 3-4 June.
At the political consultations, Mr Riekstins informed his colleagues about Latvia's position on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The Minister emphasized that, with global political and economic integration processes developing, the significance of regional co-operation increases. Estonia's Foreign Minister Paet indicated that the EU Strategy would be an instrument for dealing with issues important for the Baltic Sea Region, mentioning examples such as economic co-operation, environmental protection and the development of a new infrastructure.
The talks also touched upon the EU-Russia new Partnership and Co-operation Agreement. Mr Riekstins expressed the opinion that the EU should continue consultations with Russia about the negotiations mandate. The Latvian Foreign Minister said that the dialogue has now developed to a point where a compromise might be found. Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vaitiekunas expressed his thanks in this regard, to the Baltic and German foreign ministers, for their understanding and communicated the hope that a solution would be found in the near future regarding the EU-Russia Partnership and Co-operation Agreement.
Security policy issues were also debated among the ministers. Minister Riekstins hoped that an agreement would be reached, at the NATO foreign ministers' meeting in December, on offering a NATO Membership Action Plan to Georgia and Ukraine.
The ministers agreed to hold the next political consultations of this format in Lithuania.
This year's consultations were the tenth to be held. The first such meeting took place on 28 August 1996 in Leipzig, at the initiative of the then German Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Klaus Kinkel.
Read | Other link
MFA, 20 May 2008
State Chancellery, 20 May 2008
Foreign Ministry commends Georgia's progress in achieving democratic elections
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commends the process of the Georgian parliamentary elections, which showed improvements and an organisation that was more in line with international standards. During the course of the elections, compliance with national legislation was ensured and election procedures had been improved.
"The Central Election Commission of Georgia has made a significant effort in seeking to adhere to the recommendations of international organisations, which were put forward following the presidential elections of 5 January this year. The presence and active involvement of international observers in the process of the Georgian parliamentary elections is a positive step, as it promotes the transparency of the electoral process" says Minister Riekstins.
The Foreign Ministry urges Georgia to further the implementation of the reforms begun, and to continue on its course towards the strengthening of democracy. Latvia will continue its present active co-operation with Georgia, by supporting democratic processes and Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration.
An international election observation mission and observers from several separate states monitored the Georgian parliamentary elections on 21 May. The mission included 14 representatives of Latvia.
Read
MFA, 23 May 2008
Foreign Ministry representatives establish contacts with Kosovan institutions
From 20 to 23 May, a delegation of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Kosovo and met with representatives of Kosovan institutions, to receive a briefing on the general situation in the state and to discuss the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The Foreign Ministry officials met with Zenun Pajaziti, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Nekibe Kelmendi, the Minister of Justice, deputies of the Kosovan President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, the Deputy Head of the Liaison Office of the European Commission, the Deputy Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as well as with Slovenian, German, and British diplomats and other officials.
At Prisitina on 22 May, the Foreign Ministry representatives took part in a session of the International Steering Group for Kosovo.
Read
MFA, 23 May 2008
Latvia establishes diplomatic relations with Barbados
On 15 May 2008 the Republic of Latvia established diplomatic relations with Barbados.
A protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations was signed in Lima, Peru, during the 5th EU, Latin America, and the Caribbean Summit of Heads of State and Government.
A joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations was signed from the Latvian side by Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State Edgars Skuja, and from the Barbadian side by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and International Business Christopher Sinckler.
Barbados is an island state in the Caribbean and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It has been an independent state since 1966.
Read
MFA, 16 May 2008
Presentation of credentials to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Brazil, H.E. Mr Artis Bertulis
President Valdis Zatlers presented H.E. Artis Bertulis, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Federative Republic of Brazil, with his letter of credence.
At their meeting, the President and the Ambassador discussed the dynamics of bilateral relations between Brazil and Latvia to date as well as the possibilities for their expansion in the future. The focus of the discussion was on economic and cultural ties, and on the development of tourism. President Zatlers also charged the new Ambassador with the task of investigating avenues of support for the Latvian community in Brazil.
Ambassador Bertulis and President Zatlers discussed ways of better representing Latvian interests in Brazil as well as the upcoming EU - Latin American summit, which the President will attend, and which should provide an excellent opportunity for the strengthening of both bilateral and multilateral relations between Latvia and Brazil.
Artis Bertulis will be the first Latvian Ambassador to Brazil.
Read
President's Chancery, 10 May 2008
3 - 4 June 2008 7th Summit of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, Riga
On 3-4 June 2008 at Riga, the capital of Latvia, the 7th Summit of the Council of the Baltic Sea States heads of government will take place, gathering together the prime ministers of 11 countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden) and the representative of European Commission, to decide on the region's future and the reform process of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. The summit will conclude the Latvian presidency of the Council of Baltic Sea States from 1 July 2007 through to 30 June 2008. Denmark will then take over presidency from Latvia.
http://www.mfa.gov.lv/lv/cbss/samits/
3 - 4 June 2008 Baltic Sea Region Business Forum (BSRBF), Riga http://www.bsrbf.com/
LINKS:
http://www.president.lv
http://www.saeima.lv
http://www.mk.gov.lv
http://www.am.gov.lv
The newsletter "Latvia today: foreign policy news" is a compilation of press releases and news reports drawn from the media and official sources. The views published do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
|
